UAE Polo Federation Cup to begin at Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club from Jan.4
- 31 Dec 2022
Gulf Today, Staff Reporter
Nine teams featuring top local and international players will be battling for glory when the Lan To Capital UAE Polo Federation Cup gets under way at the Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club.
The second edition of the prestigious tournament will begin on Jan.4, with the finals taking place on Jan.14.
The nine teams confirmed to compete in the tournament include the UAE Polo Team, Bindrai Polo Team, Lan To Capital Polo Team, Tahra Polo Team, AM Polo Team, Ankora Polo Team, Abu Dhabi Polo Team, Ghantoot Polo Team, and Lamar Polo Team.
Hosted by the iconic Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club in association with the UAE Polo Federation, the cup will also witness the participation of the nation’s royals, including Sheikha Maitha Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Sheikha Alya Bint Marwan Al Maktoum.
The participating teams will be grouped into three categories in the qualifying stage, with the top four highest scoring squads advancing to the semi-finals. Tournament carries a handicap of 10–12 goals.
Mohammed Khalid Abdulghaffar Hussain, General Secretary of the UAE Polo Federation, said, "We are grateful for the commitment of the government bodies and patrons of polo who have worked tirelessly to make Dubai a well-known polo destination over the last few decades.
"We are proud to host the UAE Polo Federation Cup 2023 at the Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club which brings together players, spectators, local residents, and enthusiasts from around the world," he added.
Lisa Matthews, general manager of Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club, said, "Polo season offers our patrons the perfect opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and watch an action-packed match while enjoying a sumptuous meal.
"Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club is a household name in Dubai for local and international polo matches, show jumping, dressage, and high-profile equestrian events. We thank the UAE Polo Federation for the trust and confidence it has placed in our facilities and our support services. It is indeed a great way to jumpstart 2023,” Lisa added.
Santiago Torreguitar, Director of Tournaments at the UAE Polo Federation, conducted the live draw.
"We are delighted to have nine teams competing this season, and we are confident that Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club, as a leading polo destination in the country, is an ideal venue to unite the local teams and create a vibrant polo community," Torreguitar said.
Lan Tschirky, CEO and Founder of Lan To Capital, expressed her delight at being associated with the UAE Polo Federation Cup.
"When it comes to polo in Dubai, we think of the Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club as the home of this energetic sport that has nurtured many local and international equestrian talents. My brands Lan To Capital, Lan Health, and Lan Space venturing into the UAE have a similar energy, hence we are excited to be part of this tournament. Our vision is to form strong bonds through such sports events that are also social in nature and helps build long term bonds with the community."
Jan Azam, Polo Manager of Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club, added, "We are gearing up for another great polo season. Our horses are in great shape, and the venue is ready to welcome polo enthusiasts from all over the country to enjoy our world-class facilities, which have seen many tournaments in the past and created memorable moments for those on the field and the spectators."
