Abuja: Nigeria has been selected to host the 2025 Chovken African Regional Championship, as announced by Alhaji Nura Kangiwa, Chairman of the African Region of the International Chovken Federation (ICF). The announcement was made during a visit by the executive members of the Nigeria Chovken Association to Alhaji Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Chovken is an equestrian team sport that involves two teams of four horse riders each, who compete to score goals by driving a small leather ball into the opponent’s goal using curved wooden mallets. The game is played in two 15-minute halves and has historical roots with a resemblance to polo. UNESCO recently recognized Chovken by adding it to its Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list.
Kangiwa assured that leading Chovken teams from various African countries, including Egypt, Morocco, and Kenya, would participate in the championship. He highlighted that hosting the tournament in Nigeria would generate significant international attention and boost public interest in the country’s equestrian sports.
The News Agency of Nigeria recalls that Nigeria finished third at the inaugural International Chovken Championship held in Baku, Azerbaijan, in 2024. The event featured teams from 10 countries, including Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Germany, showcasing the competitive spirit and global reach of Chovken.