DS Polo emerged victorious in the prestigious Bank Alfalah 62nd National Open Polo Championship for the Quaid-e-Azam Gold Cup 2025, held at the Lahore Polo Club. The thrilling final on Sunday saw DS Polo secure a hard-fought 7-6 win against FG Polo.
The grand event attracted a massive audience, with President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari attending as the chief guest. He was accompanied by former Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Punjab Governor Sardar Salim Haider Khan, Bank Alfalah CEO Atif Bajwa, Lahore Polo Club President Malik Azam Hayat Noon, executive committee members, and prominent personalities from different fields.
The final match kept spectators on the edge of their seats as FG Polo maintained dominance for most of the game, leading for four and a half chukkers. However, DS Polo staged a stunning comeback in the final moments, netting two consecutive goals to clinch the title. Lao Abelenda led the charge for DS Polo with four goals, while Max Will Charlton added two. The decisive goal came from Daniyal Sheikh, securing the championship. On the opposing side, Raul Laplacette put up an impressive fight with five goals for FG Polo, while Mian Abbas Mukhtar contributed one, but their efforts fell just short.
After the gripping finale, President Asif Ali Zardari presented awards to the players, recognizing their stellar performances. Lahore Polo Club Secretary Lt Col (R) Umar Amir was commended for his contributions, along with Admin In-charge Muhammad Irfan, Polo Manager Muhammad Imran, Accounts Head Muhammad Faisal, Security Officer Muhammad Arif, and Head Groundsman Muhammad Khalid.
Several individual honors were also awarded. Hamza Mawaz Khan was named the best Pakistani polo player of the year, while Mian Abbas Mukhtar received the most significant player award. In the 0–4 goal category, Raja Samiullah was recognized as the best player, with Muhammad Ali Malik earning the most improved player title. Abdullah Khattak received recognition in the -2 to 0 goal category, and Chaudhry Hayat Mahmood was honored in the 0–2 goal category.
For the 2–4 goal division, Raja Mikael Sami was awarded best player, while Ibrahim Sultan was acknowledged as an emerging talent. Manam Faisal received the best lady player award. Additional recognitions included Faisal Khan for the spirit of polo award, Ahmed Ali Tiwana as the most valuable Pakistani player, and Max Charlton as the best foreign player. The Syed Wajid Ali Trophy was awarded to Anatolia, a mare owned by Daniyal Sheikh.
