Behboudi shines as Master Paints lift title in Sufi Haris Memorial final

Master Paints emerged champions of the 6th Allama Iqbal Polo Cup 2025–26 after defeating BN Polo 6-4 in a gripping final at the Jinnah Polo Fields on Sunday.

The tournament was sponsored by Master Paints and held in memory of the late Sufi Haris.

The final attracted a large and distinguished crowd, including families, polo enthusiasts, and leading figures from the sporting and corporate sectors.

Punjab Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman attended as the chief guest, while the late Sufi Haris’ widow, Mrs Fauzia Haris, along with members of the Sufi family and directors of Master Paints, were also present, adding emotional significance to the occasion.

Master Paints dominated crucial phases of the match, led by Iranian star Amirreza Behboudi, who struck four goals and was later named player of the match.

Muhammad Ali Malik and Chaudhry Fatah contributed one goal each.

For BN Polo, Hamza Mawaz Khan put up a valiant fight, scoring all four goals for his side.

Master Paints took an early 1-0 lead in the opening chukka and maintained a narrow advantage at 2-1 by halftime.

The third chukka proved decisive as Master Paints unleashed an aggressive attack, scoring three goals to extend their lead to 5-2. BN Polo mounted a strong comeback in the final chukka, narrowing the margin to 5-4, but Master Paints sealed the contest with a late field goal to secure a memorable victory.

The best pony award was claimed by a mare owned by Sufi Muhammad Amir, further highlighting Master Paints’ dominance.

Earlier, PB Polo defeated Team Balochistan 10-6 to win the subsidiary final.

Speaking after the win, Master Paints captain Sufi Muhammad Haroon bin Haris termed the victory deeply emotional, saying it was a great honour to lift the prestigious trophy dedicated to his late father’s memory and to continue his legacy through the sport.