Doha, Qatar – June 5, 2026: Qatar Polo Club secured its first international title after defeating Karlington Park Polo Club (KPPC) 7–4 in a prestigious match held in the United Kingdom. Competing in the 0-goal handicap category, the Qatari team delivered a disciplined and cohesive performance that reflected the continued development of polo in Qatar and the players’ growing technical standards.
The club’s delegation, management, and players dedicated the achievement to the Chairman of the Board, Mr. Ashraf Abdulrahim Abu Issa, in appreciation of his continued support and commitment to developing polo in Qatar.
Representing Qatar Polo Club were Ahmed Al Badi, Abdulaziz Al Qahtani, Saleh Al Marri, and Chris Crawford, while Karlington Park Polo Club fielded Charlie Eyre, Fiona Callis, Clarie du Toit, and Matt Lauder.
Commenting on the achievement, Mr. Ashraf Abu Issa, Chairman of Qatar Polo Club, thanked the Ministry of Sports and Youth for its ongoing support in developing players and providing opportunities to compete internationally, helping promote polo both locally and abroad. He expressed pride in seeing Qatari players represent the country on the international stage, describing the victory as a milestone in the club’s journey and a reflection of its commitment to excellence. He added that the club’s alignment with the international standards of the Hurlingham Polo Associationfurther strengthens Qatar’s position as an emerging global destination for polo.
The Club Director also dedicated the victory to Qatar’s sporting community, expressing gratitude to H.E. Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani, Minister of Sports and Youth, for his unwavering support since the club’s establishment. He also thanked Chairman Ashraf Abdulrahim Abu Issa, Vice Chairman H.E. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad bin Jassim Al Thani, the Board members, and the national team players for their commitment and determination in achieving this milestone. He praised the Qatari government’s continued investment in youth development and international sporting success, emphasizing that despite the club’s relatively recent establishment, Qatar’s polo players have already demonstrated their ability to raise the country’s flag proudly on the global stage. He noted that polo and equestrian sports are deeply rooted in Qatar’s heritage, making this achievement an important step in the continued growth of the nation’s sporting landscape.
Earlier in April, Qatar Polo Club officially received accreditation from the Hurlingham Polo Association (HPA), the governing body for polo in the United Kingdom and Ireland and one of the sport’s most respected international authorities. The accreditation immediately granted the club international recognition for complying with globally accepted standards, strengthening its ability to attract international players, teams, and tournaments while ensuring its competitions and regulations align with the highest international practices.
Among the key benefits of the accreditation is the club’s ability to issue and manage internationally recognized player handicaps, enabling its athletes to compete abroad under officially recognized rankings and facilitating their participation in international competitions.
This achievement marks the beginning of a new chapter for Qatar Polo Club as it continues to expand its international presence, strengthen its competitive platform, and contribute to the long-term development of polo in Qatar and the region, in line with the country’s vision of enhancing its global sporting and equestrian profile.
