Chitral Scouts wins inter-district polo tournament

Irshadullah Khan

CHITRAL: Chitral Scouts on Tuesday clinched the Inter-District Polo Tournament 2023 after defeating Chitral A by five:one goals.

This is 14th times the Scouts have grabbed the district polo cup, though last year they had lost it to Chitral A. A large number of people from all parts of Chitral witnessed the thrilling match at the Shahi Polo Ground Chitral today.

In the first half, Chitral A scored a goal, but the Scouts scored an equalizing goal after just two minutes. Thereafter, the Scouts scored four more goals by halftime. In the second half, Chitral A played nervously and lost the match to Chitral Scouts 5:1

Last year, Chitral A had upset 13-time champions Chitral Scouts to win the District Polo Cup 2022. District Polo Cup Tournament was held in 2022 after a gap of three years due to COVID-19. 

Today, Commandant Chitral Scouts Colonel Sami Zaman Khan was the chief guest along with Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Ali Khan, District Police Officer Salahuddin Kundi, who gave away prizes to winners and runner-ups.

Addressing the prize distribution ceremony, Col Sami said the people of Chitral were very peaceful and polo lovers and also loved their culture.

Chitral Scouts and Chitral A had reached the final after winning the semi-final held at the polo ground on Monday.

In the first match of the semi-final, Chitral A defeated Chitral Khas by scoring seven goals against two. In the second match, Chitral Scouts A remained the winner by scoring five goals against two of Chitral Levies A. Chitral Scouts A team Captain Israrwali Khan was declared the best player of the semi-final. The semi-final of the tournament was played on June 18. 

As many as 62 teams from across Chitral participated in the tournament arranged by the district administration of Lower Chitral. The tournament continued for about two weeks.

Best performing players in the tournaments will be picked for the annual Shandur polo festival to be held from July 7 to July 9.