Standing Rock crowned 2026 Pink Polo Tournament champion

This was after producing an impressive attacking display to overcome Mercedes Black in a high-scoring encounter, capping a successful two-day tournament that combined competitive polo with efforts to raise awareness about breast cancer.

Tom Boddie spearheaded Standing Rock’s charge, scoring four goals to help his side secure the title. Alle Owanso and Kalim Absan also contributed to the winning effort as Standing Rock outscored their opponents by three goals to claim the championship.

Mercedes Black, however, proved to be determined opponents and remained competitive throughout the final. Jamie Excell led their scoring with three goals, while Allie Camm added two more, but their efforts ultimately fell short as Standing Rock held on to secure the 10-7 victory.

The triumph capped an impressive campaign for Standing Rock, who had already demonstrated their quality during Saturday’s opening day of competition.

They began their tournament with a narrow 3-2 victory over Nairobi Hospital before stepping up their performance to register a convincing 4-1 win against Tusker Malt.

The back-to-back victories provided a strong foundation for Standing Rock ahead of Sunday's decisive encounter, where they maintained their attacking momentum to finish the tournament as champions.

Mercedes also made a positive start to the competition, edging Sense Getaways 4-3 in a closely contested match on Saturday before progressing to face Standing Rock in the final.

The two-day tournament brought together five teams for a series of competitive matches at the Nairobi Polo Club, with players drawn from across Kenya and abroad. The participation of international players added to the quality of the competition, providing an opportunity for local players to test themselves against opponents from different backgrounds.

According to Kelvin Jumba, a player at the Nairobi Polo Club who also serves as treasurer of the Kenya Polo Association, the international participation contributed to the standard of play witnessed throughout the tournament.

“We had players from all over Nairobi, as well as some who came from outside the country. I think that really lifted the quality of play, and the best team emerged as the winner,” said Jumba.

Beyond the sporting competition, the Pink Polo Tournament also provided a platform for breast cancer awareness during the month dedicated to highlighting the disease. The initiative brought together players, supporters and partners around a common cause, using sport to draw attention to the importance of cancer awareness and prevention.

Jumba said the club and its players considered it important to support the awareness initiative, noting that the tournament offered an opportunity to engage people on issues surrounding cancer while enjoying a weekend of competitive sport.

“It is Cancer Awareness Month, and as a club, we thought it was important to support that initiative. We also wanted to raise awareness about cancer and how it can be mitigated, alongside other issues related to the disease. It was a happy weekend for us to be able to support this noble initiative,” he said.

The tournament also attracted corporate support, with Kenya Breweries Limited (KBL) participating through its Tusker Malt brand, adding an entertainment and lifestyle dimension to the sporting occasion.

Naomi Kiema, Brand Manager for Premium Beer at KBL, said the event offered spectators an opportunity to enjoy the excitement of polo while experiencing the fashion, entertainment and lifestyle associated with the sport.

Kiyema noted that watching the horses and players in action was among the attractions of the tournament, praising the commitment and dedication demonstrated by those involved in the game.

“It was a lot of fun, with plenty of excitement in watching the horses and the players. They are very dedicated to the game, and it is really interesting to watch,” she said.

She added that the tournament also provided a platform for consumers to showcase their fashion and lifestyle, making the occasion more than just a sporting event.

“From the consumer side, there was a lot of fashion and lifestyle on display, with people looking amazing. Polo itself is an event on its own, and we at Tusker Malt were excited to be there and provide that experience,” added Kiyema.

The 2026 Pink Polo Tournament therefore brought together competition, entertainment and a social cause, with teams battling for honours while supporting efforts to increase breast cancer awareness.