Ghantoot A triumph as UAE royals grace GRPC’s season-opening Pink Polo tournament   


Amir Naqvi, Sports Editor

Ghantoot A, featuring Sheikha Maitha Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, emerged winners in the 12th edition of Pink Polo as the sublime greens of Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club got buzzing with equestrian activity once again.

Held under the generous patronage of Sheikh Falah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club, Pink Polo aims to raise awareness about breast cancer in the UAE.

Ghantoot A and Ghantoot B squared off in the traditional Pink Polo exhibition match with a number of UAE royals in attendance. Ghantoot B were powered by another royal, Sheikha Alya Bint Marwan Al Maktoum.

Sheikh Sultan Bin Falah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Sheikha Aisha Bint Falah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan also graced the occasion.

The polo enthusiasts were in for a treat during the clash between the two Ghantoot teams. They both fought until the end in a draining neck-to-neck battle.

Ghantoot A, comprising Sheikha Maitha, Abdullah Bin Desmal, Faris Al Yabhouni and Maxi Malacalza eventually prevailed 8-6.

Sheikha Alia, Fahad Al Qubaisi , Ahmad Al Nuaimi and Miguel Delia represented Ghantoot B.

The participation of Sheikha Maitha and Sheikha Alia could potentially open doors for other Emirati girls to take up the sport.

Sheikha Maitha began training in martial arts at the age of 20 and has gone on to represent UAE in the 67kg category of Taekwondo at the 2008 Summer Olympics after winning a silver medal in Karate at the 2006 Asian Games.

Later, she shifted her focus towards polo and is among the top players of the world.

Proving her mettle with wins in high-profile tournaments including the Ralph Lauren International Ladies’ Polo Tournament, Emirates Cup, Cartier International Dubai Polo Challenge and the Queens Cup, Sheikha Maitha continues to break new ground in her burgeoning polo career.

Prizes were distributed in the presence of Sheikh Sultan, Sheikha Aisha and other dignitaries.

Hamad Abdelrahman Abdalla Ahmad Alshaikh, Executive Director of Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club, said: “We are delighted to be involved in such a critical health issue as breast cancer, which is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths in women worldwide.

“We are pleased to have witnessed the return of polo at the club. The success of the Pink Polo reflects the vision of His Highness Sheikh Falah’s wise leadership.

“We look forward to having a great season at Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club,” he added.

Saeed Bin Hoofan Al Mansouri, Vice Chairman of Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club, hailed the UAE’s wise leadership and Abu Dhabi’s exceptional success in dealing with the pandemic and its ability to provide a protected environment for such tournaments.

Mansouri also thanked the sponsors for supporting the club’s initiative. Abu Dhabi Sports Council was the governing partner of Pink Polo day. Capex and Ghantoot Equestrian Supplies were the main sponsors of the event.