By Israel Joel
Plateau state Governor Simon Lalong, yesterday identified the polo game as a veritable tool to promote tourism, economic prosperity and to showcase the state to the world.
He further added that the state’s government was determined to consolidate the positive development of polo tournaments by supporting sporting events in the state.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the annual Jos Polo tournament organized by NASCO group of company, Governor Lalong, who was represented by Hon. Yusuf Gagdi, chairman House Committee on Navy, and Member representing Pankshin Kanke and Kanam Federal Constituency assured that government will continue to support the game of Polo, for its potentials of promoting tourism, economic prosperity, and opening up the state to the world.
“As patron of the Jos polo club, I reassured you that we will develop the facilities for the game of polo in Plateau state and also encourage grassroots participation particularly among the younger generation,” he said.
Long thanked the Nigerian Polo Federation (NPF), the leadership of the Jos Polo Club, as well as NASCO Group of Companies for consistently hosting and sponsorship the tournament by upgrading the facilities and scoreboard, as over N19m, was budgeted for the tournament.
He congratulated Malcomines, Keffi Pony, NASCO, and the winners of various prize categories of the tournament.
“For those who are not taking home prizes, you are also winners as this tournament would not have been successful without your participation,” he said.
Our correspondent reports that the Malcomines Polo team emerged winners of the annual Jos International Polo tournament champions in a contested match that ended 7 as against four and a half against Keffi Pony.
Malcomines proprietor who doubles as the team captain, Murtala Ahmadu Laushi, expressed delight that his team has retained its trophy, and become the overall winner of the entire week-long event.
He said, that the Jos Polo, which was elevated to an international level will continue to strive higher, stressing the game has a brighter future towards improving cohesion, unity, and peace amongst the people.
He said: “In the 2022 tournament, 33 teams and 130 players participated, adding that more teams are expected to participate in the next championship.”
He said they will continue to invest in the game, recruit and encourage young talents to join the game as well as promote peaceful coexistence.
At the commencement of the final match, Keffi Pony was awarded one and a half goals, for their handicap, however, the combined superb skillful play by Hamisu Buba (+4), and Argentine player Aleiro Alegburo Aramburu (+6), led by team captain Murtala Ahmadu Laushi (+1), and Fernando Munez (+3), the Malcomines outclassed quartet of Pony’s Ahmad Wadada (+1), Aliyu Tijani (+2), Abdulmalik Badamasi (+3) and Argentine player Santiago Marambio (+6).
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While Tokaji Team won the main cup, NASCO retained the president cup for the third.
However, among the nine emirs who graced the occasion, include that Bauchi, Gombe Wase, Kanam, Nassarawa, Keffi, Aten Aku Karshin, and Tuka.
