Shandur Polo Festival gets underway

CHITRAL: The Shandur Polo Festival 2025 got underway at the world’s highest polo ground on Friday with much enthusiasm.

Jointly organised by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Culture and Tourism Authority, Pakistan Army and Chitral Scouts, the opening ceremony of the three-day festival was attended by Deputy Speaker Provincial Assembly Suraya Bibi, KP Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Syed Fakhar Jehan, Advisor to Chief Minister on Information Barrister Dr Muhammad Ali Saif, Secretary Tourism Bakhtiyar Khan, Commissioner Malakand Division Abid Wazir, and Director General Tourism Habibullah Arif.

A thrilling match between Chitral’s Sur Laspur and Ghizer teams from Gilgit-Baltistan marked the first day of the festival, with Sur Laspur claiming victory by 6-3. In the second match, Laspur outclassed Phandar to win the match by 9-2. However, Yasin of GB emerged triumphant in a thrilling contest to beat Mastuj of Chitral by 3-2.

Over the next two days, traditional rival teams from Chitral and Gilgit will engage in a series of exciting and fiercely contested polo matches.

A large number of tourists from across the country and abroad have reached Shandur to witness the event.

Speaking on the occasion, KP Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Syed Fakhar Jihan said that the Shandur Polo Festival was not merely a sports event, but a vibrant cultural celebration that introduces the world to Pakistan’s peaceful atmosphere, breathtaking landscapes and rich heritage.

He added that Shandur Polo was a treasured cultural sport played at an altitude of 12,000 feet, drawing polo enthusiasts and tourists from around the globe.

The minister warmly welcomed the players and visitors to Shandur, stating that such festivals were a message of peace to the world and a reflection of the love Pakistanis have for their culture.

Highlighting the significance of the event, the Minister said that the annual polo contest between Chitral and Gilgit promotes unity, harmony, and brotherhood between the two regions. A total of seven teams from each side are participating in the tournament.

Barrister Saif also spoke on the occasion and hailed the officials concerned for making excellent arrangements.

“The KP government is committed to promoting traditional sports alongside modern games,” he said, adding under the leadership of Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur, efforts were being made to equip sports grounds with modern facilities across the province to foster healthy and positive activities among the youth.