Samiullah shines in Pakistan Polo

Published March 17, 2008

LAHORE, March 16: Five-goal Raja Samiullah helped Bank of Punjab/Rangers, a team comprising all local players, to annex the first Pakistan Polo Cup by defeating Nestle Orange Juices 7-4 1/2 in the final on Sunday.

The winners, except for the second chukker, remained in front throughout the final.

They led the first chukker 2-1 1/2. Samiullah drew first blood, scoring a field goal off Qubilai’s angular pass. Asif Zahoor struck his first to consolidate the lead. Renioso, the three-goal scorer, fired his first to reduce the margin for the losing outfit, who had a half-goal handicap.

Renioso again showed his presence to put his team ahead for the first and last time 2 ½-2.

Samiullah then scored thrice as the winners led 5-3½.

Atif banged home for the losing side.

The fourth chukker saw constant attacking by the winners which proved helpful in their adding two more goals to their score, leaving no chance for their rivals to stage a comeback. Though Renioso pumped in his fourth goal in the beginning, Samiullah’s fifth and Asif’s second sealed the fate of the match.

Earlier, Nirala Sweets notched up to third position by defeating Pakistan Air Force 8-6½.

For the winning side, Dhruvpal Godara fired six goals while Taimur Ali Malik added two.

For the losing side, who had a 2½ goal handicap, Shaukat Ali Malik contributed three goals while Tauheed Ahmed one.

Opinion

Editorial

A difficult story
Updated 12 Jun, 2026

A difficult story

Unless productivity becomes the dominant target of economic policy, Pakistan will continue to oscillate between crises and fragile recovery.
Rough waters
12 Jun, 2026

Rough waters

AMONGST the key potential triggers for fresh conflict in South Asia is water. The Indian state is behaving in an...
Politicised football
12 Jun, 2026

Politicised football

ALMOST three-and-half years since Lionel Messi led Argentina to FIFA World Cup glory, the latest edition of...
GB polls’ aftermath
Updated 11 Jun, 2026

GB polls’ aftermath

The new administration must address the region’s issues proactively.
Peace in retreat
11 Jun, 2026

Peace in retreat

THE ceasefire announced in April was supposed to create space for negotiations. Instead, it has been repeatedly...
A few good men
11 Jun, 2026

A few good men

IT was a brave move, no doubt. This Tuesday, in the land of the Afghan Taliban, a few good men decided to take a...