Lahore Gears Up: Five Teams Compete in Historic EcoStar 49th Aibak Polo Cup 2026

Pakistan's equestrian calendar brightens as Lahore prepares for the prestigious EcoStar 49th Aibak Polo Cup 2026. This year,five teams are competing in the historic EcoStar 49th Aibak Polo Cup, marking another significant chapter in one of the nation's most revered polo tournaments. The excitement builds as top-tier talent gathers for this much-anticipated event.

The grand announcement was made during a recent press conference, a joint effort by Lahore Polo Club President Malik Azam Hayat Noon and DWP Group Director Taha Muhammad Naseem. The event drew a distinguished gathering, including Lahore Polo Club Executive Committee members Feroz Gulzar and Saqib Khan Khakwani, Club Secretary Major Amjad Ghafoor, DWP EcoStar Marketing Head Shoaib Younus, club member Faisal Khan, and renowned international players such as Marcos Rivarola, Lao Abelenda, and Amirreza Behboudi. Also present were Master Paints Director Sufi Muhammad Haroon, several umpires, and a vibrant crowd of polo enthusiasts and officials, underscoring the tournament's widespread appeal.

Celebrating Heritage: The Aibak Cup's Enduring Legacy

Malik Azam Hayat Noon, President of the Lahore Polo Club, underscored the profound historical roots of the tournament. He elaborated that the Aibak Cup is an annual tribute to Sultan Qutb-ud-Din Aibak, with the current iteration proudly marking its 49th edition. President Noon further detailed that this year's competition is structured as a formidable 10-goal event, showcasing the prowess of five highly competitive teams: Master Paints, Diamond Paints, BN Polo, FG Polo, and SQ Seagold.

Emphasizing the commitment to global standards, Malik Noon confirmed the inclusion of international players across all participating teams. To uphold exemplary professional officiating and commentary, foreign umpires and esteemed commentators have also been engaged. He extended sincere appreciation to DWP Group EcoStar and its Director, Taha Muhammad Naseem, for their unwavering sponsorship, now graciously extending to a second consecutive year at the Lahore Polo Club.

DWP EcoStar's Commitment to Sports and Community Engagement

Taha Muhammad Naseem, Director of DWP EcoStar, expressed his organization's deep honor in partnering with the historically significant Lahore Polo Club. He highlighted the club's enduring dedication to elevating polo as both a positive and prestigious sport. Naseem passionately articulated EcoStar's core belief in the transformative power of sports to foster positivity and cultivate robust community engagement.

He further hailed the Aibak Cup as one of Pakistan's most esteemed polo tournaments, reiterating his pride in supporting such a monumental event. Excitement builds as the final match is slated for Saturday at 3:00 PM, promising a spectacular showdown expected to draw a massive turnout of Lahore's passionate polo aficionados.

Global Acclaim: Praises for Lahore Polo Club

Club member Faisal Khan extended his gratitude to EcoStar for their invaluable sponsorship, acknowledging their crucial role in sustaining such a historic tournament and significantly contributing to the advancement of polo across Pakistan. The international recognition for the Lahore Polo Club was further amplified by Greg Keating, an esteemed commentator from Ireland. With six years of experience covering the club's events, Keating lauded the exceptional quality of polo, outstanding facilities, and the pervasive professionalism of the sport in Lahore.

Echoing this sentiment, Iranian player Amirreza Behboudi remarked that the Aibak Cup signals the commencement of the high-goal polo season, commending the Lahore Polo Club as a venerable venue renowned for consistently upholding the sport's highest standards. Adding to the international chorus of praise, an Argentine umpire, making his inaugural visit to Pakistan, conveyed profound admiration for the immaculate quality of the polo grounds and the exemplary overall standard of the game observed in Lahore.

The EcoStar 49th Aibak Polo Cup 2026 is set to be a highlight of Pakistan's sporting calendar, uniting tradition, top-tier competition, and community spirit under the banner of international polo excellence. Polo enthusiasts worldwide are keenly watching as Lahore once again takes center stage in the global polo arena.