LAHORE: Five teams are competing in the EcoStar 49th Aibak Polo Cup 2026, one of Pakistan’s historic polo tournaments.
This announcement was made during a press conference jointly addressed by Lahore Polo Club President Malik Azam Hayat Noon and DWP Group Director Taha Muhammad Naseem and was attended by several distinguished personalities, including Lahore Polo Club 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, Amirreza Behboudi, Master Paints Director Sufi Muhammad Haroon, umpires, and a large number of polo enthusiasts and officials.
Lahore Polo Club President Malik Azam Hayat Noon highlighted the historical significance of the tournament. He said the Aibak Cup is held annually in honor of Sultan Qutb-ud-Din Aibak and this year marks the 49th edition of the prestigious event. He added that the tournament is being played as a 10-goal event this year, featuring five competitive teams including Master Paints, Diamond Paints, BN Polo, FG Polo, and SQ Seagold.
Malik Noon further said that each participating team includes international players, while foreign umpires and commentators have also been invited to ensure high professional standards. He expressed his gratitude to DWP Group EcoStar and its Director Taha Muhammad Naseem for continuing their sponsorship support for the second consecutive year at the Lahore Polo Club.
DWP EcoStar Director Taha Muhammad Naseem said it is an honor to support the historic Lahore Polo Club, which has long been associated with promoting polo as a positive and prestigious sport. He emphasised that EcoStar strongly believes sports play a vital role in promoting positivity and healthy community engagement.
He also described the Aibak Cup as one of Pakistan’s most renowned polo tournaments and expressed pride in supporting the event. He added that the final match is scheduled for Saturday at 3:00 PM, where Lahore’s polo enthusiasts are expected to gather in huge numbers.
Club member Faisal Khan also thanked EcoStar for sponsoring such a historic tournament and contributing to the promotion of polo in Pakistan. International commentator Greg Keating from Ireland, who has been covering polo events at the Lahore Polo Club for six years, praised the quality of polo played at the club and expressed his appreciation for the facilities and professionalism of the sport in Lahore.
Iranian player Amirreza Behboudi said that the Aibak Cup marks the beginning of the high-goal polo season and described the Lahore Polo Club as a historic venue known for maintaining high standards of the sport. Meanwhile, an Argentine umpire visiting Pakistan for the first time expressed his admiration for the quality of polo grounds and the overall standard of the game in Lahore.
