Nigeria has been officially announced as the host nation for the 2025 Chovken African Regional Championship, according to Nura Kangiwa, Chairman of the African Region of the International Chovken Federation.
The announcement came during a courtesy visit by the Nigeria Chovken Association to Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, in Abuja. The development was confirmed in a press statement issued by Joessef Karim, media aide to Kangiwa.
The tournament, scheduled for late 2025, will welcome teams from across Africa, including Egypt, Morocco, and Kenya, marking a major leap forward for the promotion of equestrian and traditional sports on the continent.
Chovken is an ancient horseback sport resembling polo, where two teams of four riders use curved mallets to strike a small leather ball and score goals. Games are typically split into two 15-minute halves.
Recently, the sport gained global recognition after being added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list, spotlighting its deep cultural roots and historical relevance.
Kangiwa emphasized that hosting the championship will not only attract global attention to Nigeria but also foster greater domestic participation and appreciation for equestrian and heritage-based sports.
Nigeria earned hosting rights following an impressive showing at the 2024 International Chovken Championship in Azerbaijan, where the national team claimed third place out of ten countries, including strong contenders like Turkey, Germany, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan.
The Nigerian team included President Abdulkarim Jibril, Secretary Abba Kangiwa, Treasurer Muktar Adahama, Team Captain Colonel Yusuf Bello, and Abdulmalik Badamasi.
As preparations intensify, the 2025 African Chovken Championship is poised to be a major cultural and sporting event, shining a spotlight on Nigeria’s growing role in traditional equestrian sports.
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