By CHARLES MUTEBI
Slowly but splendidly, Kakira Nile Polo Club (KNPC) continue to extend the frontiers of polo as a Ugandan sport.
In the last two weeks ending December 31 2012, KNPC took the banner the furthest yet – to the vast, far-flung Eastern territory that is India. The call of duty was two 10-goal polo tournaments for the Rajputana Central Indian Cup and for the Royal Salute Maharaja of Jodhpur Golden Jubilee Cup.
The two events were the concluding instalments of the XIII Jodhpur Polo season, recently re-established by HH the Maharaja of Marwar Jodhpur and is part of India’s Polo Circuit that also includes Calcutta, Delhi, Mumbai and Hyderabad.
In short, it was exactly the right place for the flag of Ugandan polo to wiggle.
“It is a mark of distinction that KNPC has been invited to participate in this key Indian tournament confirming that Uganda polo is becoming a recognised polo centre,” said KNPC chairman Nitin Madhvani.
“I am very proud that we can represent Uganda and look forward in 2013 to welcoming more players and partners for polo at Kakira. I am also very grateful to Chivas Brothers – Pernod Ricard for offering Uganda and KNPC this opportunity to represent not only Uganda but also Africa at this most important event.”
KNPC’s players included captain Maanan Madhvani, Hrishikesa Madhvani, Casimire Gross, Samir Suhag (Indian captain), Ashish Samnatrey and Sameer Choudry. KNPC’s opponents were Deccan Polo and Riding Club, Central Academy, EFG, Sunendra Sports Corporation and Jodhpur’s own Yuvraj Knights.
KNPC hosts a Ugandan tournament annually and every subsequent event seems to raise the bar a notch higher.
