Ibadan set for historic 120th anniversary polo tournament

With the Ramadan festivities concluded, attention has swiftly shifted to preparations for a landmark sporting celebration in Ibadan. Anticipation is building as the historic Eleyele Polo Ground undergoes significant grooming ahead of the 2026 Ibadan International Polo Tournament, an event set to commemorate 120 years of polo in the ancient Oyo Empire. President of Ibadan […]

With the Ramadan festivities concluded, attention has swiftly shifted to preparations for a landmark sporting celebration in Ibadan. Anticipation is building as the historic Eleyele Polo Ground undergoes significant grooming ahead of the 2026 Ibadan International Polo Tournament, an event set to commemorate 120 years of polo in the ancient Oyo Empire.

President of Ibadan Polo Club, Abimbola Adeyemi, recently shared insights in Lagos, expressing optimism about the scale and quality of the upcoming tournament. He emphasized that this anniversary edition will introduce unprecedented value, reinforcing the event’s longstanding reputation for excitement and prestige. According to him, the club is committed to delivering a highly competitive and memorable tournament befitting such a historic milestone.

Adeyemi highlighted the club’s determination to ensure excellence across all aspects of the event, aiming to create a rewarding experience for players, teams, sponsors, and guests. “We are pushing for the optimal every which way because we intend to apart from hosting the epoch celebration, we also want to use this tournament to restore Ibadan polo’s preeminent pedigree as true custodian of polo values in the truest tradition.”

He further noted the impressive level of interest already shown by top teams and skilled players. “With the number of expected teams and the caliber of players who have indicated interests to showcase their awesome skills, this anniversary edition promises, exciting, and a memorable event of intense competition and top-notch experience for sponsors, players, guests and fans alike. “

Scheduled to take place from May 10 to 17, 2026, the tournament will feature a range of prestigious prizes. The most coveted among them is the Ibadan Cup, originally presented in the early 1930s by Colonel R. Petit of the 9th Lancer during the colonial era. Other notable trophies include the Rotimi Cup, Ade Alakija Cup, and the GOC Cup, alongside several subsidiary awards.

Organizational efforts are in full swing, with various subcommittees working diligently to ensure a seamless event. Adeyemi, elected president last year, leads a management team tasked with delivering a celebration that honors Ibadan’s rich polo heritage, which dates back to 1906 when the sport was first introduced in the city.