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Polo AlMarsa Qatar 2025 concluded in spectacular fashion, marking a memorable finale to a landmark second day that drew more than 3,000 spectators at the Old Doha Port. The awards ceremony which followed also delivered a major announcement for the sport’s growing community in Qatar: Polo AlMarsa will officially return for its second edition in 2026.Hosted by Qatar Polo Club, supported by The Social & Sport Contribution Fund DAAM, and presented by Qatar Calendar, Polo AlMarsa Qatar brought together sport, heritage, lifestyle and culture in a unique waterfront setting that reflects both the elegance of polo and the modern vibrancy of Doha. Driven by the Qatar Argentina and Chile 2025 Year of Culture partnership, the event delivered a seamless blend of global equestrian excellence and cultural authenticity.Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani presented the Championship Cup to the victorious Team Lusail, which featured Bader al-Marri, Beltran Laulhe, and Gaston Laulhe, who secured a 6-3 win.His Excellency Saad Ali al‑Kharji, Chairman of Qatar Tourism and Chair of the Board of Directors of Visit Qatar awarded the runners‑up trophy to Team Doha, which was represented by Abdulaziz al‑Qahtani, Beltran Di Paola, and Marcos Di Paola.Before presenting the Championship Cup, HE Sheikha Al Mayassa took to the stage to honour the juniors, beginning with the Mini Mallet Cup awards. Team Doha Juniors, which had Patrick Clarkin, Elizabeth Clarkin and Milo Mac Donough in their line-up claimed the Mini Mallet Cup with a hard‑fought 1-0 victory over Team Lusail Juniors, which featured Rafa Mac Donough, Vicente Di Paola and Adino Donosa.The day also celebrated outstanding equine performances. The Best Playing Pony from Saturday’s Years of Culture Championship Cup 2025 was Attraccion Fatal, ridden by Pablo MacDonough of Team Buenos Aires. For the Polo Al Marsa Championship Cup, the Best Playing Pony honour went to Tumba, played by Beltran Laulhe.After the success of the event, Ashraf Abuissa said: “The energy across Old Doha Port reflects everything we envisioned when we were planning for Polo AlMarsa. What began as an idea has now become a world-class platform that celebrates Qatar’s culture, creativity, and sporting excellence. The event will return every year, and we hope it will continue to grow bigger and better, helping to develop the sport of polo and encourage the next generation of players.”Commenting on the spirit of cross-cultural collaboration that brought teams from three countries together, HE Mohammed al-Kuwari, Years of Culture Advisor on Latin America, said: “As we celebrate our 2025 partnerships with Argentina and Chile, this polo showcase holds special meaning. Polo’s roots in Argentina and Chile and Qatar’s equestrian heritage reflect shared traditions of horsemanship and craftsmanship. Sport has always been a powerful connector within Years of Culture. It brings people together naturally, creating instant common ground, honouring heritage, and sparking new friendships beyond borders.” 

Qatar Polo Club (QPC), under the Ministry of Sports and Youth, on Monday announced the launch of Polo AlMarsa Qatar, the country’s first ever polo showcase, presented by Qatar Calendar.Taking place from Dec 11-13 at Terminal Park, Old Doha Port, the event will debut exhibition polo in a purpose-built grass arena, featuring a sporting festival of high-calibre polo matches, cultural showcases, hospitality, and horsemanship.Players from Argentina and Chile will join the showcase as part of the Qatar-Argentina and Chile 2025 Year of Culture, an initiative that spearheads long-lasting cultural partnerships between Qatar and other nations.Over three days, spectators will experience the excitement of Polo, from a Juniors play-off and a Women’s exhibition match to the Years of Culture Championship Cup, celebrating how sport brings people together and builds trust between nations, celebrating Argentina and Chile.At the heart of the competition is the Polo AlMarsa Championship Cup, where Qatari and international players will play in mixed teams marking a landmark sporting debut for the country.Ashraf Abuissa, Chairman for QPC, said: “As the official home of polo in the country, our mission is to celebrate equestrian and athletic excellence and raise awareness of this sport. Polo has long been part of the culture and sporting landscape of our region for centuries, symbolising skill, unity, and tradition.”Fuad Al-Mudahka, Director General, Qatar Polo Club, added: “Polo AlMarsa reflects our commitment to rekindling this heritage sport, enabling us to create a new tradition that connects our community, honours our equestrian culture, and elevates local talent on an international stage.”Mohammed al-Kuwari, Years of Culture Adviser on Latin America and Qatar’s former ambassador to Mexico said: “The Years of Culture has always shown that sport and culture are two sides of the same coin as both bring people together across borders. This Polo AlMarsa event connects Qatar’s equestrian heritage with beloved traditions in Chile and Argentina, creating a new cultural and sporting bridge that will endure long after this year.”“Hosting Qatar’s first-ever polo event at Old Doha Port marks a new milestone in our journey to establish the Port as a vibrant cultural and tourism destination,” said engineer Mohammed Abdulla al-Mulla, CEO of Old Doha Port. “Through hosting this event, we aim to bring together Qatar’s rich heritage and modern spirit, reflecting our vision to deliver experiences that celebrate national identity through a contemporary lens. Polo AlMarsa is more than just a sporting event; it represents a strategic step toward strengthening the Port’s role within Qatar’s cultural and sporting landscape.”Jassim al-Mahmoud, Director of Public Relations and Communications at Visit Qatar, said: “Polo AlMarsa is a remarkable addition to our events calendar, showcasing Qatar’s equestrian tradition while introducing a global sport that resonates with culture and heritage. Through this partnership, we are enriching the diversity of experiences available to both residents and visitors. By hosting such distinctive events at Old Doha Port, Visit Qatar continues to enhance the country’s reputation as a vibrant destination for sport and culture events.”Beginning with the Polo AlMarsa Youth Camp on Day 1, December 11, and followed by two days of Polo matches and experiences at Old Doha Port, the three-day programme will combine international exhibition polo with hospitality, entertainment, cultural shows and family activities, international cuisine, fashion and art.Day two of the program, the official first day of Polo AlMarsa Qatar, on December 12 includes an exhilarating welcome parade with over 50 horses, the official opening ceremony hosted by the Years of Culture and Chile featuring a world class Chilean Cultural Horse Show.This will be followed by the Mini Mallet Cup, a Women’s Exhibition Match, and the Years of Culture Championship Cup celebrating the great bond between Argentina, Chile and Qatar.The International Day of Polo, hosted on Day 3, December 13, will be headlined by the Polo AlMarsa Championship Cup. Guests will also enjoy a Historical Horse Show, heritage demonstrations, the closing awards, and the finale of Fashions on the Field.Throughout the event, the Polo Village will be a lively hub with food trucks, retail, live entertainment, cultural and family activities.Those seeking elevated comfort can access ticketed lounges with prime pitch-side views and dining, while exclusive VIP and sponsor lounges will offer tailored spaces for dignitaries and partners.Tickets for Polo AlMarsa Qatar are available through the event website. For details and reservations, please visit www.poloalmarsa.com