First Bank Sustains 106-year Sponsorship Of Georgian Cup Polo Tourney

First Bank Nigeria Limited has reaffirmed its commitment to the Kaduna International Polo Tournament, sustaining its sponsorship of the prestigious Georgian Cup for more than 106 years.

The 106th edition of the Kaduna International Polo Tournament attracted leading polo players to Murtala Mohammed Square, Kaduna, for a week-long competition featuring the historic trophy.

Speaking in an interview with the sports writers on the sidelines of the tournament, Bashir Ali, Group Head, Abuja, representing Public Sector at First Bank, said the bank remained proud of its longstanding association with the competition.

Ali said the continued sponsorship was driven by the value the tournament had provided to the bank over the years.

“If there is no value, we would not be here for over 100 years. So, definitely, there is value,” he said.

According to him, the tournament has continued to record improvements, particularly in the quality of the playing field and the standard of competition.

“The field has continued to improve. The quality of play has also continued to improve.

“You can see what we are seeing today. It’s a great game, and we are proud to be associated with it,” he said.

Ali disclosed that the Kaduna Polo Club had submitted the Georgian Cup for consideration by Guinness World Records as the longest-running sponsorship.

He said First Bank would not support any particular team to win the competition, adding that the bank would congratulate whichever side emerged victorious.

“We cannot say this is the team we want to win, so whichever team wins takes the cup. So, we congratulate them,” he said.

The tournament featured defending champions Kaduna El-Amin, led by Mohammed Babangida, who were seeking to extend their record with a 17th Georgian Cup title.

Other contenders included Adamu Attah’s Fifth Chukker, with participating teams battling for the coveted trophy, which represents more than a century of polo history.

In one of the day’s encounters, Musaco defeated Pop Cola by six and a half goals to six in a closely contested match sponsored by First Bank.

The Georgian Cup final between El-Amin and Malcomais ended in a 10-10 draw, with El-Amin awarded the trophy based on the outcome of their previous encounter.

Ali, who disclosed that he rode horses but did not play polo, reiterated the bank’s pride in its longstanding partnership with the tournament.

The Kaduna International Polo Tournament remains a major fixture on the state’s sporting calendar, attracting teams, players and enthusiasts to compete for honours and celebrate the sport.