There are strong indications that the much anticipated 2020 Kaduna International Polo Tournament may be moved out of the legendary Murtala Mohammed Square for the first in its 102 years of rich history.
Polo Royals checks reveal that with the ongoing massive infrastructural revamping of the foremost square that houses the Kaduna State House of Assembly complex and the closure of the entire racecourse that ring the polo group, all sporting activities have been put on hold.
According to DailyTrust, the search for a suitable alternative venue for the prestigious polo festival that started early March, when government bulldozers moved into the complex listed three private polo farms including Fifth Chukker Polo & Country Club as prospective venues for consideration.
Other polo farms that are being considered when the final decision to host the tournament would be taken include, Trappco Polo Ranch and Yula Polo Farms, both located few minutes’ drive from the major port of entry for foreign players, visiting players and tourists, the Kaduna International Airport.
A top official of Kaduna Polo Club Management Committee confided in Polo Royals that with the closure of the traditional venue by the Kaduna state government for reconstruction works, there is a very little chance that the Murtala Square will host 2020 edition of the tourney.
The Kaduna polo chieftain who pleaded anonymity, added that if and when the club makes the final decision to host the 2020 edition of the glamorous fiesta, one of the three prospective alternative venues will come fully into the picture.
Another top shot has who been part of tournament management for almost a decade now, pleaded that it’s too early to spark a frenzy about the tournament that is still being discussed at the highest level, pointing out that so far, Fifth Chukker Polo & Country at Maraban Jos as a venue would make plenty of sense.
“We are yet to tie things up with our traditional and prospective sponsors and partners, talk less of deciding when and where it will hold,” he added dismissing the whole frenzy as wishful.
