Special Correspondent
The Lahore Polo Club’s 2025–26 season began in grand fashion with the Lahore Smart City Polo in Pink Cup, a week-long spectacle that blended elite sport, international participation, and a powerful social message of breast cancer awareness. The event, sponsored by Lahore Smart City in collaboration with Pink Ribbon Pakistan, not only marked the official start of the polo season but also reaffirmed the city’s reputation as the heart of Pakistan’s equestrian tradition.
The much-anticipated final on Sunday saw Haroon Sharif Jewellers lift the coveted Polo in Pink Cup after defeating Team Rijas/Din 8–5 in a pulsating contest under bright Lahore skies.
Festive finale with flair and fashion
The grand final drew a vibrant crowd of polo enthusiasts, families, diplomats, and socialites who gathered at the historic Lahore Polo Club grounds to celebrate both the sport and the cause it represents. The event opened with a children’s cavalcade, a barrel race, and tent pegging demonstrations that set the tone for a day of festivity and flair. A stunning motorcycle show and a parade of vintage cars added a nostalgic charm to the proceedings.
Vice Chairman of Lahore Smart City, Jahanzeb Zahid, attended as chief guest, while distinguished guests included British Ambassador Jane Marriott, Irish Ambassador Mary O’Neill, and Capital Smart Motors’ Zeeshan Qureshi. The presence of club members, players, and sponsors created a truly cosmopolitan atmosphere befitting the sport’s elite stature.
Hamza Mawaz Khan leads Jewellers to glory
In the final, Hamza Mawaz Khan proved to be the difference-maker, dazzling the spectators with his skill and precision as he scored six goals for Haroon Sharif Jewellers. His teammates Sheikh Muhammad Farhad and Abbas Mukhtar added one goal apiece to seal the 8–5 triumph. For Team Rijas/Din, Sheikh Muhammad Rafay scored three goals, while Raja Samiullah contributed two in a valiant effort.
During the prize ceremony, Sheikh Muhammad Tayyab’s mare “Iris”, ridden by Hamza, was declared Best Horse of the Match. Pakistan’s Mahnum Faisal was honoured as Best Woman Player, in recognition of her performance and growing influence in women’s polo.
Speaking after the match, Hamza Mawaz Khan credited teamwork and sponsor support: “Haroon Sharif Jewellers have stood behind us through every game. This victory is for everyone who believes in promoting polo in Pakistan.” Teammate Abbas Mukhtar added that winning both Pink tournaments this year was “a proud moment” for the team.
Mahnum Faisal, who has been an active advocate for women’s inclusion in polo, said, “Winning in such a high-profile event feels incredibly special. More tournaments like this will encourage young girls to take up the sport.”
Strong international and local participation
Earlier in the week, the tournament featured 16 teams divided into two pools, each including one female player from Pakistan or abroad. The event saw participants from Pakistan, England, Mexico, Lebanon, and the United States, giving the tournament an international edge.
Exciting early-round matches showcased the growing depth of talent in Pakistan’s polo scene. Teams like AOS, Lahore Smart City, Master Paints, and Haroon Sharif Jewellers dominated the group stages, while Zacky Farms, Rijas/Din, Pebble Breakers, and Samba Bank made strong statements on Day Three with commanding performances.
The high-scoring clashes featured exceptional individual displays — Raja Samiullah’s six goals for Rijas/Din, Emilia Garibay’s five-goal haul for Master Paints, and Hamza Mawaz Khan’s consistent brilliance for Haroon Sharif Jewellers underscored the quality of competition on offer.
A celebration of sport and social purpose
The Lahore Smart City Polo in Pink Cup continues to hold a unique place in the polo calendar, combining athletic excellence with social advocacy. The initiative, in partnership with Pink Ribbon Pakistan, aims to promote breast cancer awareness through sport, encouraging regular screening and public education.
During the tournament’s launch press conference, Lahore Polo Club President Malik Azam Hayat Noon emphasized the event’s dual purpose: “This tournament celebrates polo’s prestige while raising vital awareness for women’s health. It’s a cause close to our hearts.”
Omer Aftab, CEO of Pink Ribbon Pakistan, lauded the collaboration, saying that sports platforms can play a pivotal role in spreading awareness and inspiring collective responsibility.
Imran Zahid, CEO of Lahore Smart City, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to sports and social impact, calling the Pink Cup “a model of how corporate partnerships can contribute to meaningful community engagement.”
Looking ahead: A promising polo season
As the pink banners came down and the applause echoed across the grounds, Lahore Polo Club officials looked ahead to a promising season filled with local and international tournaments.
Club President Malik Azam Hayat Noon thanked Lahore Smart City, the sponsors, and the media for their support. “The overwhelming turnout and enthusiasm of Lahore’s people show that polo continues to thrive in this city. We are proud to combine this tradition with a purpose that goes beyond sport,” he said.
With the Polo in Pink Cup setting a high bar for both organization and competition, the 2025–26 polo season promises more exhilarating action, international participation, and events that blend sport, society, and sophistication—just as Lahore’s historic polo tradition has always done.
