The Lahore Polo Club confirmed the return of the EcoStar 49th Aibak Cup during a press conference led by Club President Malik Azam Hayat Noon and DWP Group Director Taha Muhammad Naseem. The announcement outlined plans for a high-intensity 10-goal tournament featuring five teams and international participants, underscoring the tournament’s place in Pakistan’s polo calendar.
The Aibak Cup this year fields Master Paints, Diamond Paints, BN Polo, FG Polo and SQ Seagold, each strengthened by international talent. Organisers said foreign umpires and commentators have been invited to maintain professional standards, and they thanked sponsor DWP EcoStar for supporting the event for a second consecutive year.
Malik Azam Hayat Noon noted the Aibak Cup is held annually in honour of Sultan Qutb-ud-Din Aibak and that the 49th edition marks another milestone for the Lahore Polo Club. Taha Muhammad Naseem described EcoStar’s backing as a commitment to promoting sport and community engagement, and reminded fans that the final is scheduled for Saturday at 3:00 PM when large crowds are expected.
The tournament opened with a competitive fixture in which Diamond Paints defeated Master Paints 5-3. Argentine star Lao Abelenda produced a match-winning hat-trick while Raja Jalal Arsalan added two goals for Diamond Paints. For Master Paints, Amirreza Behboudi scored twice and Mumtaz Abbas Niazi contributed one.
The press conference was attended by club officials including Executive Committee members Feroz Gulzar and Saqib Khan Khakwani, Club Secretary Maj Amjad Ghafoor, DWP EcoStar Marketing Head Shoaib Younus, club member Faisal Khan, international players Marcos Rivarola, Lao Abelenda and Amirreza Behboudi, and tournament umpires and commentators. International commentator Greg Keating praised the quality and professionalism at the Lahore venue, while an Argentine umpire visiting Pakistan for the first time commended the grounds and standard of play.
Club officials and players alike framed the Aibak Cup as the start of Lahore’s high-goal season, with expectations high for competitive matches across the event and a strong turnout for the Aibak Cup final this weekend.
