The polo team Black Eagles and its rival Mad Dogs pose before the Oman Air Duke of Wellington Trophy before a thrilling match on August 11. The Black Eagles beat Mad Dogs in the match at the Guards Polo Club, Windsor Great Park, England. — Courtesy photo OMAN — Oman Air is continuing its support for premium sports events with sponsorship of a series of polo events in Europe. Its first event, the Oman Air Duke of Wellington Trophy, was held on August 11 and saw top polo team Black Eagles beating rivals Mad Dogs 8-3½ in a thrilling match held at Guards Polo Club, in Windsor Great Park, England. Forthcoming events include the Oman Air Duke of Cornwall Trophy and the Oman Air Autumn Nations Cup, both to be held at Guards Polo Club, and the Oman Air Frankfurt Gold Cup, which will be held in Germany. Oman Air's sponsorship is the latest move in the national carrier of the Sultanate of Oman's support of sporting excellence and follows its backing of Oman Sail – whose Oman Air-Musandam yacht has this year taken part in the renowned Rolex Fastnet race – as well as the Oman Football Association and motorsports star Ahmad Al Harthy. Each of these events, together with the polo sponsorship, exposes the Oman Air brand to high networth audiences and attracts television coverage which raises awareness not just of Oman Air's award-winning products and services, but also of the Sultanate of Oman's unique attractions as a premium destination. Congratulating Black Eagles on their win, Mohammed Al Shikely, General Manager Marketing, Oman Air said: “Black Eagles have played extremely well throughout the Oman Air Duke of Wellington Trophy and their win is well-deserved. The final was an exciting match and could not have provided a better introduction to the sport for those spectators who were new to polo.” The match was watched from the Royal Box by guests of Oman Air, who included Guards Polo Club founder His Grace the Duke of Wellington, diplomats and business leaders. Key members of the media also attended, helping to further spread the word about Oman Air and the Sultanate of Oman. — SG
