Shandur Polo Festival concludes at world’s highest polo ground

GILGIT: The three-day Shandur Polo Festival concluded on Sunday at the world’s highest natural polo ground with Chitral defeating Gilgit-Baltistan in a closely contested final.

The match ended 7-7 in regular time before Chitral secured a two-goal lead during extra time to claim the win. Izhar from Chitral, who scored five goals in the final, was declared Man of the Match for his outstanding performance.

Thousands of local and international tourists attended the festival held at Shandur Top, located at an altitude of over 12,000 feet, to watch the traditional freestyle polo matches and cultural performances.

The event was jointly organised by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Culture and Tourism Authority (KPCTA), the Gilgit-Baltistan Department of Tourism, Sports, Culture, Archaeology & Museums, the Pakistan Army, and the district administrations of Chitral and Ghizer.

The opening ceremony was inaugurated by KP Sports Minister Fakhar Jehan on Friday. Adviser to the KP Chief Minister on Information, Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif, was also present.

Multiple matches were played during the festival. On the first day, Laspur defeated Upper Ghizer 6–3, while Headquarters Laspur beat Phandar 9–2. Yasin edged Mastooj 3–2 in the third match.

On the second day, Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan attended the event as chief guest. He was accompanied by Force Commander Gilgit-Baltistan Major General Syed Imtiaz Hussain Gilani, Provincial Ministers Ghulam Muhammad, Rehmat Khaliq, and Surayya Zaman, Chief Secretary Abrar Ahmed Mirza, and Tourism Secretary Zamir Abbas.

Speaking to the media, the chief minister said the Shandur festival reflects a longstanding tradition between Chitral and Gilgit-Baltistan. He added that the event promotes tourism and cultural heritage in the region.

On the second day, Gilgit C beat Chitral C by 8–7. In the following match, Chitral Mastooj defeated Gupis Ghizer 5–0, while Gilgit B defeated Chitral B 8–0.

In addition to polo matches, the event featured captivating traditional, cultural, and adventurous activities, including evening music, dance performances, and other festivities at the world’s highest polo ground in Shandur.

The festival was attended by local officials, high-ranking civil and military authorities, a large number of local residents, and esteemed guests.

Shandur polo ground is considered to be the highest in the world at 3,700 meters where the historic game has been played since 1930.

The polo ground is adjacent to Shandur Lake. The festival provides an amazing cultural experience to visitors in the Hindukush mountain range.

Also read: Shandur Polo Festival kicks off on the ‘Roof of the World’