Extravagant Lahore Polo Club: Hosting D-Zone Polo World Cup 2003

Pakistan is proud to host the Polo World Cup Zone D playoffs in Lahore. The city of Lahore known for its culture and hospitality adds to the idealism of this great game. Known as the city of lights, Lahore will prove to be an exciting and adventurous place for participating teams and spectators.
This website contains information for participating teams, officials, players, enthusiasts, visitors and spectators. Updates will be posted regularly and information will be readily available to all.

Historical Footprints at Lahore Polo Club

Lahore Polo Club is one of the oldest clubs in the world. The game of polo has been regularly played in the city for over a millennium by Emperors, Kings, Rulers, Princes as well as commoners. The main ground at the club is called the "Aibak Ground"

in remembrance to the 13th century King of Delhi, Sultan Qutabuddin Aibak who died in 1210 when his horse fell while playing polo in Lahore.He is buried near the present Anarkali bazaar not far from the Lahore Fort. The Mughals, in particular, were very fond of the game. Emperor Babar, who founded the Mughal Empire in India in the 16th Century, played polo, so did his grandson Akbar the Great, who enjoyed playing this game, sometimes by torchlight. Nur Jehan, the wife of Emperor Jehangir was a polo player as well. Both of them are buried outside the city of Lahore.

The club has produced a number of internationally recognized players like the two brothers, Brig. "Hesky" Baig and Col. "Sikku" Baig, Brig. Sardar Hissam el Effendi, Gen. Yousuf, Maj. Gen. SherAli Khan Pataudi, Maj. Gen. Jehanzeb, Brig. Gul Mawaz Khan and Brig. "Gussy" Hyder. Their sons and grandsons are still playing at the club. The two brothers Podger (8) and Vicky (8) El Effendi, the highest handicapped players of Pakistan (presently in USA), were the scions of the club.

Some of the dignitaries that have visited (and a few have played) at the Lahore Polo Club include the Shah of Iran, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillips, Prince Hassan Bin Talal of Jordan, the King and Queen of Malaysia, Sheikh Zaid Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the President of UAE, the President of Turkey, the President of Djibouti, the Governor General of Australia, to name a few.

Lady players are also encouraged to play at the Lahore Polo Club since a number of years. During the seasons (2000 - 2002) a total of two international Ladies teams from various countries played a series of well attended exhibition matches at the club.

In the past the club has played host to teams from USA, Argentina, England, France, Australia, Iran, Jordan, India , South Africa, Zimbabwe, Brazil, Egypt, Malaysia and Nigeria. In addition there are a number of other foreign guests who regularly play polo at the club, while some foreign players are sponsored by local companies.