After a peaceful conclusion of the 2015 general elections in Abuja, polo lovers in the FCT have started gearing up for another exciting period following the release of dates for the Guards Unity tournament.

The tournament, which is hyped as the biggest sporting event ever to hit Abuja, will see top rated Nigerian players lining up to thrill polo enthusiasts in a week-long bumper-to-bumper extravaganza from May 12 to May 19, 2015.

The Guards Polo tournament usually attracts a huge flock of sports tourists to the FCT, who come from different cities across the country to witness the noble king of sports.

Packaged as part of festivities to mark this year’s Democracy Day celebration, the historic event is supported by blue chip firms in communication, banking, oil and manufacturing sector of the economy.

Speaking on the event, Chairman, Guard Polo Club, Senator Mohammed Kabiru Jibril, who confirmed that the 2015 edition of the glamorous polo fiesta would be the most competitive and exciting in years, said, “since democracy took root in 1999, every May 29 has been celebrated as a public holiday in honour of the country’s progressive growth as a democratic nation and we are using the Unity tournament to celebrate our much cherish democracy.

“We are also using this tournament to let polo enthusiasts and the business communities to know that the Nigerian capital city has a facility like the Guard Polo Club that can comfortably host an international polo tournament of any magnitude.”

Tournament Manager, Aliyu Umaru, confirmed that everything is on ground for a successful tournament, adding, “Our pitch is in top shape and the location of the Guards Polo Club remains a tourist delight. Those who would be part of this historic event are guaranteed a most exciting and the most memorable time in Abuja.”

Guard Polo Club Captain, Mustapha Junaidu, who confirmed a record entry, said the tournament would be a sale out as battle ready teams were already on ground to thrill polo enthusiasts with their display of skills.

He revealed that the teams would compete for four major championship prizes, including the Guards Challenge Cup, Guards Brigade Trophy, Legislative Shield and President’s Cup, which is the event’s biggest title.