What does it mean to preside over such an important club for the polo history?
I would like to introduce our esteemed, Lahore polo club to you. The 62 acre land was was donated by Francis Fredric Perry, Surgeon Major, in June 1897 for the purpose of polo, which today consists of 3 polo fields, 360 stables , 2 riding schools, 255 members of which 100 are regularly playing, along with a club house and 3 restaurants.
I was elected President in June 2023 for one year, which is coming to an end now. I and our management committee lifted the club as a social place involving members in all events as well as held the tournaments in the best possible manner with competitive matches witnessed by large crowds. The important tournaments are National Open (14 goal) , Punjab cup (14 goal) being played since 1886, Lahore Open, Aibak Cup, and Polo in Pink (cancer awareness cup).
What are the plans for the 2024 season?
I see our club making a mark on the international polo scene, with players and teams visiting us from other countries and our players playing all over the world. We want to have good relationship with the international polo community so we can have exchange of teams. We are planning to visit USA , Australia and Ireland this summer.
The young generation of our polo players is showing good promise in children s matches which we organize the same day as the big finals, to give confidence and experience to the next generation.
In the future plans we are further improving our grounds and facilities and concentrating on our young players by getting coaches . Polo in pink is encouraging our girls to start riding and to play polo.
How do you see the growth of polo in Panistan in the future?
Polo in Pakistan has improved so much in the last 20 years . With the high handicap foreign players coming to play in Pakistan and importing of Argentine horses has has shown our players and spectators a higher level of polo which has encouraged our young players to play the high standard of polo . I am very optimistic that polo in Pakistan will keep improving in the future.
