A ROYAL SALUTE to Nations Cup polo
tournament in Dubai
Article by Carla Webb The new year kicked off with some excitement at the third annual Desert Palm UAE Nations Cup 2011, which took place on 10th – 15th January in Dubai.
Four international teams - the UAE, Great Britain, Hungary and Pakistan – competed for the Desert Palm Trophy, each team headed by the Patron of Polo for their country and one of their leading players.
The Cup culminated in a third consecutive win by the UAE home team, who beat Hungary with a winning goal from captain Rashid Albwardy, who converted a 60-yard penalty to secure the home team’s victory in extra time – concluding what could only described as a thrilling game of world class polo.
A partner of the Desert Palm UAE Nations Cup polo tournament for the last two years, Royal Salute, the world’s only prestige Scotch whisky, hosted a group of VIP guests alongside Mr. Ali Albwardy, the tournament’s patron.
His Grace the Duke of Argyll, Torquhil Ian Campbell, attended the annual event as honorary manager of the Royal Salute Polo Team, and also participated in the tournament prize-giving, presenting the Royal Salute Shield.
Speaking about his visit to Dubai, His Grace commented: “Dubai continues to be a highly attractive regional hub for international business and sport and I am very pleased that my visit combined both.”
In addition to hosting the high profile group, His Grace also judged the Royal Salute Puissance – a challenging yet light- hearted game of skill whereby players hit a ball over a two metre obstacle, with extra points awarded depending on where ball lands.
Building on its successful launch in 2009, the exclusive Desert Palm UAE Nations Cup is now recognised worldwide by the polo community as the only tournament in the Middle East with international teams competing.
The glamorous tournament concluded in style with the exclusive Royal Salute after party where the helmet worn by Adolfo Cambiaso in the 2009 Desert Palm Nations Cup, was auctioned for US$37,000.00. The proceeds of the sale were offered to a charitable cause – the Riding for the Disabled Association in Dubai.
Royal Salute is increasingly involved in some of the world’s most luxurious polo events, with initiatives currently spanning Asia, South America, United Kingdom and the Middle East.
34 Photos: Oliver Doran |
photoSolutions.me
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