LAHORE: The Bank Alfalah 62nd National Open Polo Championship for the Quaid-e-Azam Gold Cup 2025 delivered another round of exciting action at the Lahore Polo Club on Sunday, as FG Polo and HN Polo emerged victorious in thrilling encounters that captivated polo fans.
In the opening match of the day, FG Polo displayed exceptional skill and determination as they secured a commanding 10-7 victory over BN/Newage Cables. The match saw a remarkable performance from Raul Laplacette, who netted five goals for the winning side. He was well supported by teammates Raja Jalal Arslan and Nicholas Ruiz Guinazu, who contributed two goals each, and Mian Abbas Mukhtar, who added one to the scoreline.
The match remained closely contested for much of the game, with BN/Newage Cables managing to match their opponents goal-for-goal up until the third chukker. At that point, the scoreboard was locked at 4-4, with both teams giving their all in what was shaping up to be an intense and unpredictable finish. However, FG Polo found their stride in the fourth chukker, launching a decisive offensive that saw them score five goals in quick succession, while BN/Newage could only manage one.
As the game progressed into the final chukker, BN/Newage Cables fought back valiantly, scoring two goals in an attempt to close the gap. But FG Polo, with their strong defense and clinical finishing, added one more goal to their tally, ensuring a 10-7 victory.
While the defeat was a tough blow for BN/Newage Cables, Santiago Cernadas shone brightly for his team, scoring six of the seven goals in a stellar individual performance. His efforts, along with a contribution from Hamza Mawaz Khan, made for an exciting match, but ultimately FG Polo’s strong performance proved too much.
The second match of the day was another thrilling contest that saw HN Polo edge past Olympia/AZB with a narrow 9-8 victory. Hamza Mawaz Khan, who had been instrumental in the previous match, was once again a key player for HN Polo, delivering four goals. He was joined by Pelayo Berazadi and Haider Naseem, who each added two goals, while Ramiro Zavaleta rounded off the score with one goal.
Olympia/AZB, despite their best efforts, were unable to overcome the formidable HN Polo side. Luis Manuel Aguirre was the standout player for Olympia/AZB, contributing five of his team’s eight goals in a valiant attempt to lead a comeback. Ahmed Zubair Butt and Novillo Astrada also played important roles, scoring two and one goal, respectively. However, HN Polo’s consistent offense and strong teamwork saw them claim the win.
Both matches showcased the intensity and competitive spirit that have come to define the Bank Alfalah National Open Polo Championship. Fans were treated to high-octane polo, with some exceptional individual performances, including the spectacular goals by Laplacette and Aguirre. The tournament continues to be a highlight of the polo calendar, bringing together top-tier players and teams for thrilling encounters.
The Bank Alfalah 62nd National Open Polo Championship is fast becoming one of the most exciting polo events in the region, with more action-packed games to look forward to in the coming days.