The two-week long five-chukker Bank Alfalah National Open Polo Championship for the Quaid-e-Azam Gold Cup 2021 rolled into action at the historical Lahore Polo Club.
The top 10 teams, which are featuring in this 14-goal event, are:
Pool A: BN, DS Polo/ASC, FG Polo, Newage/Rizvi’s and Risala.
Pool B: Master Paints Black, Diamond Paints, Remounts, Barry’s and Master Paints.
The first match of the day saw Newage/Rizvi’s recording a thumping 12-5 victories. The second match of the day proved to be a thrilling encounter, where Barry’s and Master Paints were tied at 9-all at the end of the fourth chukker and Barry’s smashed in match-winning goal to win the match by 10-9. The closely-contested third match saw BN Polo Team beating FG Polo by 9-7. Tomorrow (Tuesday), three more matches will be contested.
All the teams are studded with top national and international polo players, who will be showing their prowess during this prestigious tournament, and such a huge participation of foreign players evidences the global recognition which the Pakistan Polo circuit has received over years.
The 57 years old National Open Polo Championship, was first played at world famous Lahore Polo Club in 1963. Originally named as the EL Effendi Cup presented for this tournament by Brig. Hissam el Effendi was played in this name from 1963 to 1976. In 1977, it was named after the father of the nation and called the National Open Polo Championship for the Quaid-e-Azam Gold Cup.