By Pius Dukor
Many have described the game of Polo as for only rich and well to do in the society.
Reacting on the sidelines of the just concluded Polo tournament in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, Mr. Adokiye Ikpoki, the managing director of Chairborne Global Services dismissed the insinuation saying Polo game is for all.
He made the statement over the weekend at the just concluded Port Harcourt Polo Tournament competition.
The young entrepreneur maintained that the game of Polo is for all especially those who love the game. ” You can play irrespective of your social status, those who are passionate about the game get involved because is a lovely game” he said.
Ikpoki who is also love the game of golf and was two term Captain of Golf Club, Port Harcourt insisted that polo as a sport is an all comers affairs noting that even those who take care of the horses are also players. ” You don’t need to own a horse to play polo, saying that most of the teams owners are not players noting that the Navy, the Army and other notable organizations and individuals also own a team.
When asked why his company was one of those that sponsored the 2024 Polo Competition, he explained that it was good to see people coming from all over the country to play in Port Harcourt which has a lot of social, economic and the benefits attached to it, while urging the youths to embrace the game.
In his response, a member of House of Representatives, representing Kwando Shango Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Tesy Ogbo said the one week polo tournament in Port Harcourt, Rivers State have added a lot of economic value in the area of hotel accommodation, foods and have added some income of the State in form of tax and a youths were engaged during the week.
Ogbo however stated that the game of polo is expensive especially if you want to own a team, a horse or hiring one. ” But a lot of riders are not rich and are not the owners of the horses” he said. ” If you love the sport, you can participate, you don’t need to own a horse or a team to play polo, a lot of people who are playing don’t own a horse and they are not rich too. So, those who are interested can join the sport, is quite encouraging and good” he explained.
Earlier Amisu Buba from Jos who won gold trophy said he has been playing polo for over 30 years. He said that a player must be calm, easy , focus and obedient to his coach.
Buba told journalist that he was very happy coming to Port Harcourt and winning the trophy, saying that the competition was well organized.
Highlights of the event was the presentation of some award by Senator Allwell Oyesor to some companies who supported the tournament. Other side attractions include music and comedy.
