Bhansali Polo Triumphs Again in a Thrilling Dubai Challenge Cup 2025 Final!
The Subsidiary Final of the Dubai Challenge Cup 2025 kicked off with an electrifying Round Robin, setting the stage for an action-packed showdown. The first clash saw Habtoor Polo go head-to-head with Bangash Dodson & Horrell, followed by a fierce face-off between Habtoor Polo and El Basha, before the final chukkers pitted El Basha against Bangash Dodson & Horrell in a battle for glory.
As expected, the Round Robin format delivered nonstop excitement, and this match was no exception! Habtoor Polo came out strong, dominating the opening two chukkers with a 4-2 victory over Bangash. Riding high on their momentum, they then took on El Basha, securing a 3-1 win and claiming the Subsidiary Final title in spectacular fashion.
With Habtoor Polo crowned winners, the heat was on for the runners-up spot. El Basha and Bangash Dodson & Horrell left it all on the field, but in the end, Bangash Dodson & Horrell clinched second place, sealing an unforgettable chapter in the Dubai Challenge Cup 2025.
This was one for the books—a showcase of power, strategy, and pure polo brilliance!
Match Progression Round Robin:
Habtoor Polo vs. Bangash Dodson and Horrell
2 – 0 | 4 – 2
Habtoor Polo vs. El Basha
2 – 0 | 3 – 1
Bangash Dodson and Horrell vs. El Basha
2 – 1 | 4 – 2
The grand final showdown between Bhansali Polo and Ankora-Lamar Polo ignited with explosive energy, as both teams charged onto the field determined to claim victory. From the very first play, it was a battle of skill, speed, and strategy, with strong defensive maneuvers and relentless attacks keeping the match on a knife’s edge.
Leading the charge for Bhansali Polo, Gonzalo Santamarina showcased exceptional precision and composure, securing crucial goals with the support of his well-synchronized teammates. But Ankora-Lamar Polo was not backing down—Tomas Iriarte fired back with a fierce offensive push, keeping the scoreboard tight and the pressure high.
With every chukker, the tension intensified, the crowd on the edge of their seats as the match remained fiercely contested. But in the end, Bhansali Polo held their ground, sealing a hard-fought victory and claiming the Dubai Challenge Cup 2025 title for the second consecutive year!
A sensational battle and a historic win—Bhansali Polo has once again etched their name in glory!
Match Progression: Bhansali Polo vs. Ankora-Lamar
1 – 1.5 | 2 – 1.5 | 3 – 3.5 | 5 – 4.5
Mr. Jochen Knecht, CEO of IFZA honored and presented the awards to the teams of the day; Gonzalo Santamarina was the Most Valuable Player, Dona Sofia, owned by Khalid Alomran and Played by Santos Iriate as the Best Playing Pony.
Co-Sponsors
Diamond Lease
Diamondlease L.L.C, a fully owned subsidiary of the Al Habtoor Group, was established in 1996 to offer automotive rental and leasing solutions, as an alternative to owning and maintaining vehicles, to Corporate and Individual customers in the UAE. Diamond lease serves more than 700 companies and multinational conglomerates operating in UAE, handling and managing their transportation requirements.
Diamondlease is an ISO 9001:2008 certified company with a fleet of over 8400 vehicles. It was the first local Car Rental Company in UAE to receive an ISO certification and has proudly held the accreditation since 1999. In recognition of its sound business ethics and outstanding customer service, Diamondlease was one of the first car rental companies to have been nominated as a member of the prestigious Dubai Service Excellence Scheme (DSES) in 2003. Diamondlease has been awarded the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Travel Awards being adjudged the “Best Car Rental Company” – Local Brand for 7 years in a row.
Media Partners
Al Badia
Since 2008, Al Badia, the prestigious Arabic venture is devoted to bringing the latest news and views on the equestrian world, Polo sporting and lifestyle. In fact, it is a tribute to the age-old passion for the thoroughbred, an integral part of the rich Arabian culture.
Al Badia focuses a gamut of information on the highly valued sport of horseracing, including information about events taking place in the Arab world and about organizations and services sought by equestrians of all disciplines. Besides being a specialized lifestyle magazine to meet the refined taste of the equestrian community, it features a wide range of information including very exclusive coverages like interviews of the Sheikhs and the who’s who of the Arab world. It targets the crème de la crème of the society and is widely circulated across different regions of the Gulf & Middle East.
Al Badia is a good platform to showcase premium brands, as it has a wide readership comprising sports enthusiasts, socialites, eminent personalities, celebrities and the royalty.
Website: http://albadiamagazine.com/
POLO LINE TV
PLTV is the first online streaming polo site, broadcasting over 25 tournaments LIVE per year around the globe, reaching +200k viewers. The production and edition of exclusive content makes PLTV the most comprehensive polo channel in the world.
Website: https://www.pololine.tv/
GOVERNMENT SUPPORT
Dubai Sports Council:
Dubai Sports Council is the official government body responsible for the development of the sport sector in the Emirate of Dubai. Under the Chairmanship of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, and its 14 Board Members; the Council supervises the work of nine local clubs in Dubai, six of which practice a variety of individual and or team sports, such as football, handball and archery; in addition to the chess club and a club devoted for those with special needs.
Since its inception in 2006, with the vision of creating a unique sporting community, the Council organizes various annual major Sports Championships and Conferences, in cooperation with multiple International/National sports bodies and Dubai Government Entities, such as the Dubai International Sports Conference, Samsung Beach Soccer Intercontinental Cup and the FINA Diving World Series; in an attempt to enhance the culture, knowledge and expertise of professionalism in all aspects of the field; from the overall preparation and/or execution of the event.
Dubai became the first Arab and Middle East city to host the Sport Accord International Convention in 2010, and stages the annual Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Creative Sports Award, the most prestigious Award of the Middle East Region. Though the Council works on various major international sports events, it does not overlook the importance of spreading the awareness of a healthier, more active lifestyle locally; and in order to achieve such objectives, physical activity programs and initiatives, such as the Dubai Pulse Physical Activity program, the Furjan District Championships and the Dubai Beach Soccer League, have all been designed to target the various communities within the Emirate.
Website: www.dsc.ae
UAE Polo Federation
The UAE Polo Federation is the official governing body of the sport of polo in the United Arab Emirates. The association has been organized to promote the game of polo with the goal of improving the sport, coordinating the activities of its affiliated clubs and registered players and providing rules, handicaps and conditions for those tournaments, competitions, including the safety of participants.
Website: www.uaepolofederation.com/
