The Lahore Polo Club has unveiled the EcoStar 49th Aibak Cup 2026, a 10-goal tournament that brings top domestic and international players back to the city for high-level competition. Five teams will contest the trophy this year: Master Paints, Diamond Paints, BN Polo, FG Polo and SQ Seagold, with foreign umpires and commentators invited to raise standards across the event.
Malik Azam Hayat Noon, President of the Lahore Polo Club, underlined the historic importance of the Aibak Cup and its connection to Sultan Qutb-ud-Din Aibak as he outlined the tournament format and participating sides. He praised the professionalism on display at the club and welcomed the international contingent that will help showcase Pakistan’s polo season.
Taha Muhammad Naseem of DWP EcoStar reiterated the company’s support for the club as sponsor for a second consecutive year, saying the partnership reinforces EcoStar’s commitment to sport and community engagement. The Aibak Cup final is scheduled for Saturday at 3:00 PM and organisers expect a strong turnout of Lahore’s polo followers for the decider.
Club members and guests at the announcement included Executive Committee members, club officials and international names such as Marcos Rivarola, Lao Abelenda and Amirreza Behboudi. Commentator Greg Keating of Ireland praised the quality of facilities and the standard of play, noting Lahore remains a key venue in the international polo calendar.
Iranian player Amirreza Behboudi described the tournament as the start of a competitive high-goal season and welcomed the chance to compete on Lahore’s well-maintained grounds. An Argentine umpire visiting Pakistan for the first time also expressed admiration for the club’s pitches and organisation.
On Wednesday, Diamond Paints opened their campaign with a 5-3 victory over Master Paints. Lao Abelenda produced a match-winning hat-trick while Raja Jalal Arsalan added two goals to secure the win. Master Paints’ goals came from Amirreza Behboudi, who scored twice, and Mumtaz Abbas Niazi, who added one.
Members and sponsors welcomed the return of high-goal polo to Lahore, with club member Faisal Khan thanking EcoStar for backing the historic tournament. The Aibak Cup promises sustained excitement through to the final, with Lahore’s polo community encouraged to follow results and attend the closing match.
