SHANDUR: After Chitral A defeated Gilgit A in the Shandur polo festival final on June 22, Chitral Officers Polo Team won the trophy against Gilgit Officers Team after 17 years.
While the Chitral-A Polo Team maintained its undefeated legacy, it was Chitrali Officers Polo Team led by Major Waleed of Chitral Scouts, that stole the spotlight this year.
With an overwhelming performance, they shattered the Gilgit officers’ longstanding unbeaten record and brought the trophy home to Chitral. The Chitral team scored five goals while the Gilgit officers could manage only three.
The Shandur Festival, held annually at the world’s highest natural polo ground, features fierce contests between A, B, C, D, and officers\’ teams from Chitral and Gilgit.
For the past 17 years, the Gilgit Officers Polo Team had dominated the officers’ category until this year’s breakthrough by Chitral.
The victory marks a significant moment in the festival\’s history, reigniting Chitral’s presence in high-altitude polo and breaking Gilgit’s winning streak in a dramatic fashion.