Shandur Polo Festival begins

CHITRAL: The three-day Shandur Polio Festival got underway at the globe’s highest polo ground in Chital on Saturday.

Chief Minister Pervez Khattak and Advisor to Chief Minister on Tourism Abdul Munim Khan were the chief guests on the occasion.

The tourists, polo loving fans from downtown districts and locals converged on the Shandur polo ground to watch and enjoy the festival in the pleasant weather. Tourists from foreign countries have also reached Chitral to enjoy the festival.

The opening polo match was played between Laspur team of Chitral and Ghizer team of Gilgit-Baltistan. The Laspur defeated Ghizer polo team by 8-2 goals.

The government and district administration had made foolproof security arrangements and provided all the facilities to visitors to make the festival a success.

Apart from polo game, other traditional games of Chitral and Gilgit-Baltistan, paragliding competitions and musical shows have been arranged to entertain the visitors.   

A huge number of tourists from various parts of the country have also reached Shandur.

“All the hotels in Chitral town were booked two days ahead of the festival. A large number of tourists have reached Chitral from various parts of the country,” said a hotel owner.