Master Paints emerged victorious in the Allama Iqbal Polo Cup 2025-26, defeating BN Polo 6-4 in a compelling final at the Jinnah Polo Fields on Sunday. The tournament, sponsored by Master Paints and held in memory of the late Sufi Haris, ended with a strong performance from the winning side and an enthusiastic crowd in attendance.
The final drew families, polo followers and leading figures from sporting and corporate circles. Punjab Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman attended as chief guest, while Mrs. Fauzia Haris, widow of the late Sufi Haris, and members of the Sufi family including directors Sufi Muhammad Amir, Farooq Amin Sufi, Sufi Muhammad Haroon bin Haris and Sufi Hashim bin Haris were present, underscoring the emotional resonance of the Allama Iqbal Polo Cup.
Master Paints controlled key phases of the match as Iranian forward Amirreza Behboudi starred with four goals. Muhammad Ali Malik and Chaudhry Fatah also found the net to round off the 6-4 victory. For BN Polo, Hamza Mawaz Khan produced a remarkable solo effort, scoring all four goals for his team. Behboudi was named player of the match for his decisive contribution.
The match opened with Master Paints slicing through the defence to score a field goal and take an early 1–0 lead. The second chukka saw both sides trade a goal apiece, leaving Master Paints ahead 2–1. The third chukka proved decisive as Master Paints launched a relentless attack, adding a hat-trick of goals to open a 5–2 advantage. BN Polo mounted a late rally in the fourth chukka, converting two quick goals to narrow the gap to 5–4, but Master Paints sealed the result with a clinical field goal in the closing moments.
The best pony award went to a mare owned by Sufi Muhammad Amir, adding another moment of recognition for the hosts. Earlier on the day PB Polo claimed the subsidiary trophy after defeating Team Balochistan 10-6 in an entertaining contest, providing a full programme of competitive polo at the Jinnah Polo Fields.
Speaking after the match, captain Sufi Muhammad Haroon bin Haris described the triumph as deeply emotional and a proud moment for the family. He said it was an honour to lift the Allama Iqbal Polo Cup in his father’s memory, praising his teammates’ determination and the spirit that carried them through a fiercely contested final.
