DUBAI Organisers have hinted at a possible inclusion of an all-female team for next year’s Beach Polo Cup that has seen a rapid growth in the past 11 years since it was held for the first time in 2004.
“We are working on having an all-women’s team participate in the next year. Things are in the planning stage for now,” said Sam Katiela, founder and organiser of the event.
The 11 edition of the Beach Polo Cup Dubai 2015 will be held at Skydive Dubai from April 10 to 11. The homegrown event is played in 32 cities worldwide with new destinations being added this year.
“At the moment I can confirm that Hong Kong has joined the list of 33 cities where Beach Polo Cup is played. Very soon we should be able to announce the second addition, which takes the total numbers of cities to 34. This has been a spectacular journey,” Katiela added.
Four teams
The four teams participating in this year’s Dubai event are defending champions Team Vista Jet Bombardier played by Desert Palm 2, Team Cadillac (Middle East) played by Desert Palm1, Team Lindt played by the Swiss team and Team Autism Rocks played by Rhino/Dr. A.
“Each team will have three players with this year’s tournament providing a mix of UAE and international players. The three players from the UAE are Saoud Khoory, who has been playing polo since the age of 14 and Tariq and Rashid Albwardy, sons of Ali Albwardy one of the world’s biggest polo patrons and owner of the Desert Palm Polo Club.
“Saoud is playing for Team Autism Rocks, Tariq will be playing for Team Cadillac and Rashid will play for Team Vista. The international players participating are mainly Argentines, Swiss and UK players,” he added.
With the growing popularity, Katiela said he was also amazed by the way the sport was catching up among youngsters. “Beach Polo Cup Dubai is the perfect platform to introduce youngster to the sport of Polo. During the two days, people experience a high level of thrill, adrenaline, high intensity games and gain great respect for the sport and the players.
“Polo is an all-rounders sport and I honestly see this as becoming a very healthy hobby and passion for the upcoming generation,” he said.
Detailing other activities, he said: “We will have some surprises in store for our guests and I am sure they will appreciate them all. Of course the event ends on a high note with our signature symphony of a Pyro firework show.”
