The 63rd Allied Bank National Open Polo Championship for the Quaid-e-Azam Gold Cup began at Lahore Polo Club with a lively turnout of club members, families and polo supporters enjoying high-quality play and strong competition.
In the opening match Master Paints/Diamond Paints defeated BN Polo 12-9 after taking an early lead in the first chukker and holding firm to secure the win in the fifth and final chukker. The encounter set a brisk tone for the National Open Polo and showcased precise teamwork and top-level horsemanship.
Amirreza Behbudi produced a standout performance, scoring six goals with incisive stickwork and tactical awareness. He was well supported by Facundo Retamar, who added five goals, while Sufi Muhammad Haroon Bin Haris contributed one to complete the Master Paints tally.
BN Polo were led by Lao Abelenda with five goals, with Titu Ruiz Guinazu adding three and Ibrahim Khalil chipping in one. Despite spirited efforts and moments of brilliance, BN Polo could not overturn the early deficit.
The National Open Polo is a 14-goal Pakistan Polo Association event and the 63rd edition is hosted by Lahore Polo Club with Allied Bank Limited continuing its sponsorship in support of polo in Pakistan. This year three teams are competing, each bolstered by two foreign professionals, and international umpires have been appointed to ensure matches follow global standards.
Among those present at the opening were Lahore Polo Club president Malik Azam Hayat Noon, members of the executive committee and Secretary Maj (R) Amjad Ghafoor, along with a large gathering of prominent players and supporters. The action in the National Open Polo continues on Wednesday at 3:30pm when BN Polo face FG Polo in what promises to be another competitive match.
