CHITRAL: Chitral Polo Association President Shahzada Sikandarul Mulk has called on the government to organise separate matches between civil and forces polo teams in the upcoming tournament scheduled for later this month.
Speaking at a press conference held at Chitral Press Club on Sunday, he emphasised that this longstanding demand reflected the needs of local players who bear the high costs of the sport with little support.
Joined by senior association members and captains of polo teams from across Chitral, including Muizzuddin Behram, Hakeem Sarwar, Mukhtar Lal, Altaf Ali Shah, Mustafizur Rahman, and Aftab Alam, Sikandarul Mulk announced that the civil teams would hold their own draw on May 19, regardless of the district administration’s position. He stated that a separate pool for civil teams would be formed to ensure fair competition.
He criticised the administration for its lack of support and empathy towards civil players who continue to keep the traditional sport alive without sufficient resources. “While forces like Chitral Scouts, Police, and Levies have multiple teams with ample facilities and horses, civil teams struggle to compete on an equal footing,” he said.
Mulk stated that while polo was an expensive sport, civilian players were managing it without any substantial financial backing. The government’s horse allowance is reportedly negligible, forcing players to bear the high cost of horse maintenance and training on their own.
He criticized the administration for failing to provide even basic facilities at the Chitral Polo Ground, despite spending approximately Rs. 17 million.
“There is no proper water supply at the ground, nor is there any appointed caretaker,” he said. Additionally, there are no welfare measures in place for civilian players who suffer injuries during matches.
He highlighted a growing disparity between civilian and forces teams. “Forces teams such as Chitral Scouts, Police, and Levies have multiple teams with superior horses and better resources, while civilian players lack even the most basic support. This makes it nearly impossible to compete on equal terms.”
Mulk also condemned a recent incident during a meeting at the office of the Commandant Chitral Scouts, where players from the Chitral Levies allegedly resorted to verbal abuse and threats against the Polo Association representatives. “None of our concerns were heard, and we were left with no option but to propose separate pools for civilian and forces teams in future tournaments,” he said.