Master Paints clinch title at 6th Allama Iqbal Polo Cup 2025-26
Lahore : Master Paints emerged champions of the 6th Allama Iqbal Polo Cup 2025-26, sponsored by Master Paints and held in memory of the late Sufi Haris, after defeating BN Polo 6-4 in a highly competitive final at the Jinnah Polo Fields on Sunday.
The final attracted a large crowd, including families, polo enthusiasts and prominent figures from both the sporting and corporate sectors. Punjab Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman graced the occasion as the chief guest, while the late Sufi Haris’ widow, Mrs. Fauzia Haris, was also present. Directors of Master Paints, Sufi Muhammad Amir, Farooq Amin Sufi, Sufi Muhammad Haroon bin Haris, Sufi Hashim bin Haris, along with the entire Sufi family attended the event, highlighting the emotional and commemorative significance of the tournament.
Club Secretary Maj Adil Sultan Rao and other officials were also present to witness the final, which lived up to expectations with fast-paced action and quality polo. Master Paints dominated key phases of the match, with Iranian star Amirreza Behboudi scoring four goals, while Muhammad Ali Malik and Chaudhry Fatah added one goal each to seal a memorable victory. For BN Polo, Hamza Mawaz Khan fought valiantly, scoring all four goals for his side.
Master Paints ignited the contest in the opening chukka, carving through the defence to slot a field goal and establish an early 1–0 lead. The second chukka was a more balanced affair, characterised by strategic maneuvers as both sides traded a goal each; however, Master Paints maintained their composure to protect a narrow 2–1 advantage.
The momentum shifted decisively in the third chukka, where Master Paints launched a relentless offensive. They hammered home a brilliant hat-trick of goals, overwhelming BN Polo, who managed only a single response, to widen the gap to a commanding 5–2.
The fourth and final chukka witnessed a spirited resurgence from BN Polo. Displaying remarkable grit, they thrashed in two consecutive goals to bring the match to a knife-edge at 5–4. Despite the pressure, the comeback effort fell just short; in the dying moments of the match, Master Paints delivered the final blow with a clinical field goal, securing a hard-fought 6–4 victory.
Amirreza Behboudi was adjudged the player of the match for his outstanding performance, while the best pony award went to a mare owned by Sufi Muhammad Amir, adding further distinction to Master Paints’ triumph. Earlier, PB Polo won the subsidiary final by defeating Team Balochistan 10-6 in an entertaining encounter.
Speaking after the victory, winning team captain and son of the late Sufi Haris, Sufi Muhammad Haroon bin Haris, described the moment as deeply emotional. He said it was a matter of immense pride to win such a prestigious tournament dedicated to his father’s memory. He praised his team’s hard work and spirit, noting that the final was fiercely contested and that continuing his father’s legacy through sport was a source of great satisfaction and honour.
