Sports Bulletin Report
LAHORE: DS Polo clinched coveted trophy in the 3rd President of Pakistan Polo Cup National Open Championship Finale 2024, outpacing FG Polo by 12-7 in the grand finale on Sunday.
The thrilling final, held at the Jinnah Polo Fields in Lahore, was sponsored by Askari Bank, Habib Metro Bank, and Faysal Bank and Sitara Chemicals. Max Charlton was the standout player of the match, delivering an impressive performance by scoring seven goals for DS Polo. He was ably supported by teammates Ahmed Ali Tiwana, Daniyal Sheikh, and Nico Roberts, who each added a goal to the team's tally. FG Polo's effort was led by Mian Abbas Mukhtar with a hat-trick, while Raul Laplacette and Raja Mikael Sami contributed two goals each.
The opening chukker saw both teams grappling to score, yet DS Polo broke through, notching a single goal to edge ahead 1-0. In the second chukker, FG Polo upped their game, successfully driving in three goals against DS Polo’s two, bringing the score to an even 3-3. DS Polo reclaimed the lead in the third chukker, outmaneuvering FG Polo with two goals to one, securing a narrow 5-4 advantage.
DS Polo then took control in the fourth chukker, showcasing exceptional skill and teamwork to net an impressive five goals, extending their lead to a commanding 10-4. In the final and crucial fifth chukker, DS Polo further solidified their position by adding two more goals to their score, making it 12-4. Despite a spirited effort from FG Polo, who managed to string together three consecutive goals, reducing the gap to 12-7, it was insufficient to turn the tide of the match, culminating in a 12-7 victory for DS Polo.
The match was expertly overseen by field umpires Nico Scortichini and Mark John Holmes, ensuring a fair and competitive finale, which was attended by a large audience of polo enthusiasts. Distinguished guests included Chief Secretary Punjab Zahid Akhtar Zaman, along with senior representatives from the sponsoring banks - Askari Bank, Habib Metro Bank, and Faysal Bank - and Sitara Chemicals.
The event also featured a captivating display of archery, a parade of antique cars, and Harley-Davidson motorcycles, adding to the festive atmosphere. In a closely contested subsidiary final, Master Paints/Diamond Paints edged out BN Polo with a 9-8 victory.
During the prize distribution ceremony, accolades were bestowed upon the standout performers of the tournament. Max Charlton received the Most Valuable Player Award for a Foreigner, Zakaria Dawood was recognized as the Emerging Talent, the Spirit of Polo Award was presented to Director Rijas Faisal Shahzad and Raja Temur Nadeem was honored with the Most Improved Player.
The most improved player in low goal was Sufi Mohammad Haroon, in 0-2 category was Agha Adam, in 0-2 Bilal Noon, in 0-4 category Raja Mikael Sami, in foreigner player category was Juan Cruz Greguoli while the medium goal award went to Mian Abbas Mukhtar, each demonstrating remarkable improvement and skill.
