LAHORE - The Brighto Paints High Goal Exhibition Polo Match, played between Pakistan and Argentina in celebration of 70 years of Diplomatic Relations between the two countries, ended in a 5-5 draw here at the historic Lahore Polo Club (LPC) ground on Saturday.
The action-packed match was organized by Lahore Polo Club in collaboration with Foreign Ministry of Pakistan and Embassy of Argentina, Islamabad, and was witnessed and enjoyed by the ambassadors of more than 40 countries, their families, top national and international players and polo enthusiasts.
Both the teams displayed high-quality polo skills and techniques during the match and matched fire-with-fire till the end and the ultimate result of the hard-fought match was draw at 5-5. From Team Pakistan, Saqib Khan Khakwani and Ahmed Ali Tiwana played superb polo and contributed with two goals each while the remaining one came from Hamza Mawaz Khan. From Team Argentina, Andres Lorentte thrashed in two goals while Tomas Reinoso, Mannuel Carranza and Ernesto Trotz converted one goal apiece.
Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi graced the occasion as chief guest and he, along with Ambassador of the Argentine Republic, H.E. Mr. Leopoldo Francisco Sahores and Deputy Head of Mission, Mr. Camilo Ernesto Silberkasten, distributed prizes and shields among the winners and top performers. Other notables present on the occasion were Special Advisor to FM Imran Akhtar, Brighto Paints Chairman Kh Ejaz Ahmed Sikka, Lahore Polo Club President Umar Sadik and LPC executive committee members.
Sharing his views, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said: “Sports unite two countries and strengthen their relations. Pakistan and Argentina already enjoy good and strong relations through polo and hockey, which bring them closer to each other. We are improving our relations as many of Argentinean polo players and ponies are part of Pakistan polo season every year, and our players also visit Argentine occasionally to play polo there. We are looking forward to further strengthen our relations through sports.”
Speaking on the occasion, Lahore Polo Club President Umar Sadik thanked the foreign minister and all the honourable ambassadors, who were present on the occasion to witness the high-quality polo match. “I hope the lively Lahorites enjoyed the challenging and exciting match between Pakistan and Argentina, which was conducted to celebrate and further strengthen the 70-year Diplomatic Relations of the two countries.”