Lahore – In a masterful display of skill and strategy, FG Polo has been crowned the champion of the prestigious 49th EcoStar Aibak Polo Cup, securing a decisive 7½-4 victory over a tenacious Diamond Paints team in the grand final. The high-octane clash, played at the historic Lahore Polo Club, blending the thrill of elite sport with the vibrant festivities of Basant.
Tournament at a Glance
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Champion: FG Polo
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Final Score: FG Polo 7½ – 4 Diamond Paints
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Top Scorer: Raja Mikayial Sami (FG Polo)
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Most Valuable Player: Marcos Rivarola (FG Polo)
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Tournament Grade: 10-Goal
A Legacy of Sporting Heritage
The Aibak Cup is more than a tournament; it is a celebration of history and sporting legacy. The cup is named in honor of Sultan Qutb-ud-Din Aibak, a revered figure in South Asian history who was not only a formidable ruler but also a legendary polo player. Historically, the tournament kicks off the high-goal polo season in Pakistan and is regarded as one of the country’s most renowned polo events.
The Championship Decider
From the first chukker, the final was a showcase of elite athleticism and precision. FG Polo’s victory was powered by the formidable duo of Raja Mikayial Sami and Marcos Rivarola. Sami, the tournament’s top scorer, hammered in four crucial goals, while Rivarola delivered a brilliant hat-trick. The winning margin was cemented with a half-goal handicap advantage carried into the match.
Diamond Paints mounted a spirited challenge, spearheaded by Lao Abelenda, who scored three of his team’s four goals, with Mohammad Ali Malik adding one. However, they were unable to close the gap against FG Polo’s coordinated attack and solid defense.
The Road to the Final
The path to the championship was fiercely contested. FG Polo secured their final berth after a tense, high-scoring two-day semifinal against BN Polo, ultimately winning with an aggregate score of 14.5-11. In the other semifinal, Diamond Paints delivered a dominant performance, overpowering SQ Seagold 9-5.
The tournament began with five competitive teams: Master Paints, Diamond Paints, BN Polo, FG Polo, and SQ Seagold. Each squad featured international talent, underscoring the event’s high professional standards.
Awards and Accolades
The prize distribution ceremony was a star-studded affair acknowledging exceptional performances:
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Most Valuable Player (MVP): Marcos Rivarola received a 65-inch TV for his instrumental role in the final victory.
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Top Scorer: Raja Mikayial Sami was honored with a 55-inch TV for his prolific goal-scoring throughout the tournament.
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Best Playing Pony: The mare ‘Mustaza’, owned by Mian Abbas Mukhtar, was recognized for exceptional agility and stamina, earning a 55-inch TV for her owner.
Ms. Natalie A. Baker, Deputy Chief of Mission at the US Embassy, who attended as the chief guest. “It is wonderful to be here at the Lahore Polo Club. Watching such high-quality polo amidst the vibrant Basant festivities and the beautiful Lahore weather has been a truly exhilarating experience,” she remarked.
