The sixth Kakira Nile Polo tournament took place over the weekend with usual flair for enthusiasts and their families at Kakira.
Polo is a sport that requires multiple and challenging skills and is appropriately known as the King of Sports. Historically played by feudal monarchs and royal households throughout Persia and Asia, the sport was developed as a sophisticated “game” by the British Army in the 18th Century, with rules and regulations governing play and conduct of players and for their horses. With Royalty as patrons the sport soon became popular in Britain and was spread with the British Empire by it’s military.
Now the sport is played world-wide in the Americas, China, India, Europe and also Africa. In UK the sport is patronised by Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh as well Prince Charles.
With the Johnnie Walker Platinum Label as the lead sponsor, the classy event brought to Uganda the thrilling combination of polo, style and elegance, fashion and fun.
“I love polo and have seen many matches worldwide. Nothing however compares to the tournament we hold in Kakira for its unique location, format, Ugandan hospitality and fun,” Kakira Nile Polo Club Chairman Nitin Madhvani said.
At the end of the two-day event, Shell V-Power triumphed over Airtel to win Nile Cup and Johnnie Walker beat Barclays to win the big trophy of the day, the Madhvani Cup.
Elizabeth Bagaya, the Princess Royal of Tooro Kingdom was the guest of honour of the event. She was by the sportsmanship exhibited by the players and fashion off-field, considering that she is a former international model.
One of the highlights was the Saturday night Platinum Label black-tie dinner dance that also served as a fundraiser to benefit disadvantaged Ugandan children.
The event is now firmly placed as one of the major events on the annual social calendar.