FG crowned Jinnah Gold Cup Polo champs

By Our Correspondent
February 10, 2025
A polo game is in progress at the Lahore Polo Club. — Facebook@Lahore Polo Club/File
A polo game is in progress at the Lahore Polo Club. — Facebook@Lahore Polo Club/File

LAHORE: FG Polo clinched the 5th Jinnah Gold Cup 2025 trophy after defeating HN Polo 8-5 in the final at the Jinnah Polo Fields on Sunday.

FG Polo dominated the match with Raul Laplacette scoring four goals while Mian Abbas Mukhtar and Raja Mikael Sami added one goal each. For HN Polo, Haider Naseem netted three goals and Hamza Mawaz Khan contributed two.

The match kicked off at a blistering pace, with both teams showcasing exceptional polo skills and tactics. The intense battle saw each side convert two goals in the opening chukker, ending it in a 2-2 deadlock.

HN Polo seized the early momentum in the second chukker, netting a field goal to take a narrow 3-2 lead. However, FG Polo responded in style, staging a strong comeback with a brilliant brace, reclaiming the advantage at 4-3.

The third chukker was a masterclass by FG Polo, as they dominated the play, hammering in three consecutive goals to establish a commanding 7-3 lead. Their momentum carried into the fourth and final chukker, where they added yet another goal to extend their lead to 8-3. Despite a spirited late surge, HN Polo managed to fire in two quick goals, narrowing the deficit to 5-8. However, their efforts came too late, as FG Polo held firm to clinch the grand finale with a resounding 8-5 victory.

Earlier in the thrilling subsidiary final DS Polo secured a hard-fought 7-6½ victory over BN/Newage. Lao Abelenda led the charge for DS Polo with a stellar performance emerging as the top-scorer with five fabulous goals while Ahmed Ali Tiwana contributed two crucial goals.

Having a half-goal handicap advantage, BN/Newage put up a fierce fight with Marcos Solari netting impressive five goals, and Tito Ruiz Guinazu adding one to their tally.

Raul Laplacette of FG Polo was named player of the final, while the best pony award went to Mian Abbas Mukhtar’s mare. Chief Secretary Punjab Zahid Akhtar Zaman was the chief guest while a number of former polo players, including Club Secretary Maj (retd) Ali Taimoor, were also in attendance.