Adamu Atta: Salute to a Polo Legend
The rise to stardom story of Adamu Atta as Africa’s biggest polo patron has been severally told and written in many media outlets before now. But what many find even more fascinating about this Nigerian polo star is his ice-cold modesty which is quite uncommon about celebrities.
From a strong polo debut with his MIA Hotels team in Jos, this self-propelled polo patron, has gradually developed into one of the biggest polo personalities in the world and has been the undisputed number one Nigerian player and patron whose achievements in the noble game of kings will be difficult to match for a long time to come.
Winner of all the high-goal polo titles in the country, Atta’s participation at any tournament instantly gives it class and credibility. His many titles include eight Georgian Cup victories, Emir of Kano Cup, back-to-back triumphs at Keffi Ranch Polo Tournament and the General Hassan Cup in Port Harcourt, among others.
Penultimate weekend, Atta and his all-conquering Fifth Chukker team added another title to their over -flowing trophy shelf after winning the Majekodunmi Cup for a record fourth successive year, bringing their Lagos International Polo Tournament high-goal Majekodunmi Cup total haul to seven in the last decade.
While most celebrated sporting icons may find it difficult coping with stardom, Atta takes it all in his giant stride unfazed. A philanthropist and top international businessman with a vast business empire spanning property, manufacturing, oil and gas, and consultancy
Polo freak Adamu is a great player even at a +3 handicap, and you need to see him in action to believe it - his speed, mastery and skill attest to this. No wonder that he has an impressive international resume playing alongside global superstars like world number one, Adolfo Cambiaso and several other highly rated professionals in England, Dubai, Argentina, et al.
As an international personality of repute and a very talented polo player, Atta delights the crowd with his consistency and cuttingedge performance that makes him the most admired at every major polo event across the country.
At the outskirts of Kaduna lies another of Atta’s foremost contribution to polo: the Fifth Chukker Polo and Country Club, a world-class resort that caters to a range of equestrian sporting activities.
It annually hosts two of Africa’s biggest polo extravaganzas, the Access Bank/UNICEF Charity Shield and the African Patrons Cup championships. These events have squarely put Kaduna on the map as one of Africa’s more desirable sporting destinations.
With over 400 thoroughbred polo ponies in the stables, Fifth Chukker Polo & Country Club continues to be a benchmark for excellence while maintaining its relaxed family-orientated atmosphere. Despite being a private club, Fifth Chukker also welcomes non- members to visit and enjoy many of the facilities the club has to offer.
The glamorous Nigerian polo scene has certainly produced many interesting and great polo patrons and players who have contributed immensely to the development of the noble game nationally and internationally, and Adamu Mahmud Atta belongs at the top of this exclusive list.