In a spectacular display of skill and nerve, BN Polo and Master Paints have booked their places in the championship match of the prestigious 6th Allama Iqbal Polo Cup 2025/26. The semifinals, held on Friday at the Lahore Polo Club, delivered edge-of-the-seat action, witnessed by a large crowd of polo aficionados and families. The tournament is sponsored by Master Paints in the loving memory of the late Sufi Haris.
BN Polo Edges Past FG/Din in Nail-Biting Contest
The first semifinal was a classic encounter where BN Polo narrowly defeated the favourites FG/Din by 7-6.5. FG/Din began the match with a half-goal handicap advantage, but BN Polo's determination shone through. The star of the match was undoubtedly Hamza Mawaz Khan, who delivered a masterclass by scoring five spectacular goals. He received valuable support from teammates Saim Abbas and Babar Naseem, who contributed one goal each.
For FG/Din, Mekayial Sami put up a valiant fight, netting four goals. Sheikh Muhammad Farhad and Saqib Khan Khakwani added one goal apiece to the team's tally. The match narrative unfolded across four intense chukkas. BN Polo quickly seized control, with Hamza Mawaz Khan converting two penalties and adding a field goal to give his team a 3–2.5 lead after the first chukka.
A brilliant 60-yard penalty from Hamza in the second chukka extended BN Polo's lead, though FG/Din stayed close with a field goal from SM Farhad. The third chukka witnessed a fierce FG/Din comeback, spearheaded by two 30-yard penalties and a field goal from Mekayial Sami and Saqib Khakwani, which temporarily put them ahead at 6.6–6. Under immense pressure in the final chukka, Hamza Mawaz Khan held his nerve to convert a crucial 30-yard penalty, sealing a memorable 7–6.5 victory for BN Polo.
Master Paints Triumphs in Last-Minute Thriller
The second semifinal was equally dramatic, with Master Paints clinching an 8-7 win over Diamond Paints in a last-minute thriller. Master Paints' charge was led by Amirreza Behboudi, who fired in four goals. He was ably supported by Ch Fateh Mehmood with two goals, and one goal each from M. Ali Malik and Sufi M. Haroon.
For Diamond Paints, Raja Jalal Arslan showcased exceptional talent, scoring a magnificent five goals. Mir Huzaifa Ahmed and Raja Temur Nadeem chipped in with one goal each. The match was a rollercoaster from the start. Master Paints surged to an early 3–1 lead in the first chukka, but Arslan's hat-trick in the second chukka, which included a 60-yard penalty, leveled the score at 4–4.
The third chukka saw both teams trading goals, keeping the outcome uncertain. As the final chukka reached its climax, Ch Fateh Mehmood struck the decisive field goal, ensuring Master Paints' passage to the final with an 8–7 scoreline. The match was expertly officiated by umpires Nicanor Bruz and Marcos Rivarola.
An Epic Final Awaits
The stage is now set for a grand finale this Sunday. The two victorious teams, BN Polo and Master Paints, will battle for the coveted Allama Iqbal Polo Cup trophy. Both sides have demonstrated remarkable skill, teamwork, and resilience to reach this point, promising a fitting climax to a tournament held in Lahore, the heart of Pakistani polo.
