Three-Day Shandur Polo Festival Kicks Off in Upper Chitral

News Desk

Peshawar: The much-awaited annual Shandur Polo Festival commenced on Friday in the picturesque valley of Upper Chitral. The festival was officially inaugurated by Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif, Adviser to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister on Information.

The event is jointly organized by the Pakistan Army, KP Tourism Authority, and the district administrations of Upper and Lower Chitral. Traditional rivals from Chitral and Gilgit-Baltistan are set to compete in a series of thrilling polo matches on Shandur, renowned as the world’s highest polo ground.

In addition to the high-octane polo contests, the festival offers a vibrant cultural experience with paragliding, food stalls, musical performances, and traditional dances, attracting both local and international tourists.

During the opening ceremony, Barrister Saif highlighted KP’s peaceful environment and immense tourism potential, describing the festival as “internationally significant.” He also commended the provincial government’s ongoing efforts to promote tourism in the region, alongside full logistical support provided by the Chitral administration and local police.

The first day of competition saw Chitral’s Sar-laspur team triumph over Gilgit-Baltistan’s Ghizer team with a score of 6-3. The inauguration was attended by Tourism Secretary Bakhtiyar Khan, Malakand Commissioner Abid Wazir, and Director General Tourism Habibullah Arif.

The Shandur Polo Festival continues to be a unique celebration of culture, sport, and tourism, fostering regional harmony and showcasing the breathtaking beauty of northern Pakistan.