Lahore: The prestigious National Open Polo Championship for Quaid-e-Azam Gold Cup 2017 will start from Wednesday at the Lahore Polo Club grounds.
Highlighting the history of the biggest tournament of Pakistan polo, LPC President  Mr. Irfan Haider said: “The National Polo Championship was first played in 1963 and was first introduced as the El Effendi Cup presented by Brig HM el Effendi. In 1977, it was renamed as Quaid-e-Azam Gold Cup on the direction of government of Pakistan.
“The tournament has been played for 49 years now and over the years, it has gained immense popularity in and outside the country and it also attracts professional players and umpires from abroad, making the event the premier polo activity of the country,” he added. He disclosed that national tournament would be organised on league base system with top two teams having the highest points making their way to main finals. “Top five teams having top notch national and international polo players, have been featuring in the tournament. The country’s best polo talent will be seen in action in the event and every player will be aiming to put up his best to inspire his respective side to win the trophy.
This year the participating teams are:
–Â Master Paints (Black),
– Barry’s,
–Â Army,
–Â Ravi Autos and
– Newage/Master Paints.”
As during the past many years Bank Alfalah is again sponsoring the high-goal tournaments during 2017.
The inaugural match of the tournament will be contested between Master Paints (Black) and Army on Wednesday at 2:15 pmwhile the second encounter will be played between Barry’s and Ravi Autos at 3:45 pm. The final will be held on March 19.
