Deepal 96th Punjab Polo Cup 2025 Galloped Off to a Grand Start at Lahore Polo Club

The Deepal 96 Punjab Cup 2025 kicked off in grand style at the historic Lahore Polo Club, bringing together elite polo players, international officials, and a host of dignitaries for Pakistan’s premier high-goal tournament.

The event commenced with a group photo capturing the vibrant energy of the occasion, featuring players, umpires, sponsors, and Lahore Polo Club President Malik Azam Hayat Noon.

During the official launch press conference, President Noon reflected on the tournament’s rich legacy, which dates back to 1886. Now in its 96th edition, the Punjab Cup continued its tradition of excellence, with Deepal – Changan Master Group’s flagship electric vehicle – as the title sponsor, further elevating the prestige of the tournament.

The 2025 edition featured five competitive teams – DS, HN, BN, FG, and Olympia/AZB – each strengthened by the presence of two international players from countries renowned for their polo heritage, including Argentina, England, Spain, and Italy.

Also present at the press conference were two seasoned foreign umpires, Chris Hyde and Nicolas Scortichini, Irish commentator Greg Keating, and ten international players, all contributing to the global appeal of the event.

Ahmed Kamal, National Sales Head at Changan Master Group, shared the company’s pride in supporting one of Pakistan’s most historic sporting events. He highlighted Deepal as a breakthrough in the local electric vehicle market and announced exclusive offers for polo fans to enhance their experience during the final scheduled for February 16.

Assistant General Manager Agha Moosa noted Changan’s position among the world’s top 10 automobile manufacturers and appreciated the presence of international participants for adding further prestige to the tournament.

Executive Committee member Naseer Ahmed thanked the foreign players, umpires, and all contributors for making the 96th Punjab Cup a landmark edition.

As part of the opening festivities, a Shandur-style exhibition match between Chitral and Gilgit teams was held on Wednesday at 3:30 PM, offering a cultural touch to the competitive event.

The tournament opened with a thrilling encounter where DS Polo edged out BN Polo with a 6-4½ victory. Max Charlton stole the spotlight with three brilliant goals, while Estanislao Abelenda and Ahmed Ali Tiwana added one goal each. On the BN side, Marcos Solari netted two, and Tito Ruiz Guinazu and Babar Naseem each contributed a goal.

The Deepal 96 Punjab Cup 2025 was set to culminate in a grand final on February 16, graced by the presence of Master Changan Group CEO and Speaker of the Punjab Assembly, Muhammad Khan, as chief guest. With an exciting lineup, international talent, and rich tradition, the tournament marked a spectacular start to the polo season in Lahore.