Diamond Paints/Master Paints edged out FG Polo 5-4 in a thrilling final of the Allied Bank 97th Punjab Polo Cup 2026 held at the Lahore Polo Club, securing the historic 141-year-old trophy that draws keen local support.
The match was decided by moments of individual brilliance and tactical resilience. Amir Reza Behboudi produced a match-winning hat-trick for Diamond Paints/Master Paints, while Facundo Retamar added two more goals to complete the visitors’ tally. FG Polo fought back strongly with three goals from Raul Laplacette and a strike from Marcos Rivarola, but could not overturn the narrow deficit.
The prize distribution ceremony recognised outstanding contributions on and off the field. Amir Reza Behboudi was named Man of the Match for his three-goal performance, and the Best Pony award went to Selina, owned by Sufi Muhammad Haroon, for her display in the final. Earlier in the day the home side, Lahore Polo Club, claimed third place with a 7-3 victory over BN Polo.
The final was attended by a large gathering of families and polo followers and was graced by chief guest Husnain Mirza, Group Head CRBG Allied Bank Limited. Also present were Lahore Polo Club President Malik Azam Hayat Noon, executive committee members and senior club figures, reflecting the deep roots of the sport in the city.
After the ceremony captain Mir Huzaifa Ahmed said he was proud to have the team’s name added to the long list of winners of the Punjab Polo Cup, praising the squad’s focus and the intensity of the close contest. The victory highlights the competitive standard of polo in Pakistan and the international talent that regularly appears in the tournament.
