By Zaharaddeen Ishaq Abubakar | Katsina Times

KATSINA, August 22, 2026 

The Katsina Polo Club has announced final preparations for the 2026 Nigerian Polo Association (NPA) Annual Polo Tournament, with 27 teams expected to compete for four major trophies during the eight-day tournament in Katsina.

The tournament, which began on Saturday, August 22, and will run until August 29, is being hosted by the Katsina Polo Club under the supervision of the Nigerian Polo Association.

Speaking at a press briefing held at the Katsina Polo Club in the Polo Field area of the city on Saturday, the club’s chairman, Alhaji Muhammadu Usman Sarki, said the organisers had put in place the necessary arrangements to ensure a successful tournament.

He said players from within and outside Katsina State, including Nigerian players based abroad and international participants, had begun arriving in the state since August 20.

According to him, the tournament is being held under the patronage of the Emir of Katsina, Alhaji Abdulmumini Kabir Usman, CFR, while Governor Dikko Umar Radda is expected to host the participating teams.

Sarki urged residents of Katsina to come out and support the tournament, describing polo as an important part of the state’s sporting heritage.

“Katsina has historically been at the forefront of polo in Nigeria, and we want to maintain that position. We are calling on our people to come out and support the tournament as we have always been known for our love of the sport,” he said.

He added that the tournament would be open to both residents and visitors, with international participants expected, including players from Argentina and Nigerians based in countries such as the United Kingdom.

Four Major Cups

The chairman said 27 teams would compete across four major competitions during the tournament.

The Nigerian Cup, described as the premier and most historic trophy in Katsina polo, will feature three teams from Katsina and Plateau State: Katsina MaxAir, Katsina Danmarna and Jos Malcomite.

The second major competition is the General Hassan Usman Katsina Memorial Cup, established in recognition of the late General Hassan Usman Katsina and his contribution to the development of polo in Nigeria.

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Teams competing for the memorial cup include Katsina Aldusar, Kano and a team from Kaduna.

The remaining competitions are the Talba Zakari Cup and the Kwamasi Cup. The Wazirin Katsina Cup competition will feature 11 teams, while the Talba Zakari competition will involve 13 teams, bringing the total number of participating teams to 27.

Sarki said the tournament was expected to feature 27 matches, with the organisers aiming to deliver a competitive and entertaining event.

Security and Medical Arrangements

The Katsina Polo Club chairman also disclosed that adequate security and medical arrangements had been made for players, spectators and the horses.

He said medical personnel would be available to attend to players and members of the public, while veterinary services would also be provided to ensure the welfare and safety of the horses throughout the tournament.

Speaking separately, the captain of Katsina Polo Club and patron of the Danmarna Polo Team, Ibrahim Usman Sarki, described Katsina as the “Home of Polo” and expressed confidence in the club’s preparations.

He said there was no major area left unattended in the preparations and expressed optimism that Katsina teams would perform strongly and compete for all four trophies.

He also described polo players as disciplined people and said organisers expected the tournament to provide an enjoyable experience for spectators.

Improved Facilities

On the condition of the playing field, Ibrahim said the club had continued to improve its facilities to accommodate the growing number of participating teams.

He noted that 23 teams took part in last year’s tournament, compared with 27 teams expected this year, describing the increase as an indication of growing confidence in the Katsina polo facility.

The organisers said the tournament was designed not only to promote competition but also to strengthen Katsina’s longstanding reputation as one of Nigeria’s leading centres of polo.