Port Harcourt Polo field is best in Africa.

Gabby Inko-Tariah, the Chairman of the publicity committee of the Port Harcourt Polo Club 2004 tournament, has revealed the tournament has been adjudged a grade A contest, stating that over N2million has been spent in organizing it.

He spoke with Nigeriasports.com at the venue of the tournament in Port-Harcourt.

“Over the years the Port-Harcourt polo tournament has become a grade A tournament that has assumed an international status whereby high handicap players take part in it.

“Another thing I’ll like you to know is that Port-Harcourt Polo club is the best field in Africa, so every polo player is interested in being part of the Port –Harcourt tournament. Apart from the aforementioned the Port-Harcourt Polo Club hospitality is second to none.

“You’ll have noticed that after each event we have been giving our guest and players the best entertainment. The players from outside are also lodged in high brow hotels,” he asserted.

On the financial cost of hosting the tournament, he said, “It cost us quite a lot to host the tournament. We have over 400 horses brought in for the tournament. We have to feed them, provide medical facilities and construct stables for them. The players and their grooms’ welfare is our responsibility.

“Hosting the tournament has always cost us about N5million but this time around we have been able to get sponsorship and have also been prudent in our spending, we’re spending just over N2million. The benefit that participants derive is unity. Players from different parts of Nigeria are here for this tournament. If this unity that the game of Polo fosters is in other spheres of our lives Nigeria would be a better place”

He told Nigeriasports .com that in the past Port Harcourt Polo tournament was always held around February, but had to hold earlier this year because of the rain which often disrupts the matches.

Reports: Isaac Olamikan