Shandur Polo Festival kicks off in highlands

Three-day event is jointly organized by K-P Tourism Authority, army, and Chitral Scouts


Our Correspondent June 21, 2025 Less than a minute read
Spectators soak in the thrill and tradition as Gilgit and Chitral face off in a freestyle polo match at the world’s highest polo ground during the Shandur Polo Festival. photo: APP

print-news
Listen to article
PESHAWAR:

The historic and culturally significant Shandur Polo Festival has officially commenced at Shandur, the world's highest polo ground, situated at an altitude of 12,000 feet.

The three-day event is being jointly organized by the K-P Tourism Authority, army, and Chitral Scouts.

The first day featured a thrilling polo match between Chitral's Sar Laspur and Ghizer team of Gilgit-Baltistan, with Sar Laspur clinching victory by 6-3.

Over the course of the festival, traditional rivals from Chitral and Gilgit-Baltistan will engage in spirited polo matches, drawing large crowds of local and international tourists to the scenic highlands of Shandur.

COMMENTS (1)

Shakil Durrani | 4 weeks ago | Reply I am glad the Shandur polo festival is completing thirty five years. We started it in 1981 when I was posted there as Deputy Commissioner. Over the years I have seen many horses die of cardiac arrest due to limited oxygen at that height. As I have been suggesting in the past highly competitive polo is not for Shundur at 12000 feet festive polo might be a better option. Best wishes. Shakil Durrani
Replying to X

Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.

For more information, please see our Comments FAQ