Hamad Abdelrahman Abdalla Alshaikh, Saeed Bin Hoofan Al Mansouri and members of the participating teams pose for a picture after the press conference.

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

The first major tournament of Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club’s calendar — the Emirates Polo Championship International — will kick off on December 21.

Top teams from across the UAE and some international players will take part in one of the most-anticipated polo events of the country.

The final of the 21st edition of the championship is scheduled for December 30. The Emirates Polo Championship International will be held under the generous patronage of Sheikh Falah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club.

The tournament carries a handicap of 10-12 goals and will see the participation of many young faces and, of course, the creme de la creme of UAE players.

Ghantoot Polo, UAE Polo, Abu Dhabi Polo and Bangash Polo are the four teams taking part in the tournament.

"With the Emirates Polo Championship International, we are happy to have attained another milestone as we are hosting the 21st edition of the event,” said Hamad Abdelrahman Abdalla Alshaikh, Executive Director of Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club.

“This achievement would not have been possible without the support of Sheikh Falah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, sponsors and team patrons.

"We are looking forward to witnessing some exciting matches at the Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club's Sheikh Zayed Polo Field,” he added.

Hosts Ghantoot will face Bangash while UAE Polo lock horns with Abu Dhabi on opening day of the Emirates Polo Championship International.

The tournament will take place in line with UAE’s Covid-19 precautionary and preventive measures, and the club management has decided to follow the highest standards of health and safety norms to ensure the safety of everyone involved.

The Emirates Polo Championship International takes place in association with Abu Dhabi Sports Council and Emirates Polo Association and is supported by Capex.com, Ghantoot Equestrian Supplies, Yas Mall and Equusir.GCC.

AT A GLANCE

What: Emirates Polo Championship International

When: December 21-30

Where: Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club, Abu Dhabi

Teams: Four teams

GHANTOOT: Nasser Al Shamsi 1 HCP, Yousof Bin Desmal 1 HCP, Kian Hall 3 HCP, Marcos Araya 7HCP.

UAE POLO TEAM: Sheikha Maitha 0 HCP, Sheikha Alia 0 HCP, Pablo Urquiza 4 HCP, Jacinto Crotto 7 HCP.

ABU DHABI: Faris Al Yabhouni 0 HCP, Segundo Amadori 4 HCP, Hugo Barabucci 4 HCP.

BANGASH: Haider Bangash 0 HCP, Facundo Kelly 2 HCP, Federico Von Potobsky 5 HCP, Nicolas Corti Maderna 5 HCP