SHANDUR: June 20, 2025: The highly anticipated Shandur Polo Festival 2025 commenced in full swing at the breathtaking Shandur Polo Ground, situated at an altitude of 12,000 feet above sea level, the highest polo ground in the world.
The festival was formally inaugurated by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Sports Fakhar Jehan in the presence of KP assembly Deputy Speaker Suriya Bibi, the secretary sports, Commissioner Malakand Division Abid Wazir, Deputy Commissioner Upper Chitral Haseebur Rehman Khan Khalil and thousands of spectators.
The opening ceremony featured vibrant cultural performances, showcasing the rich traditions and heritage of Upper Chitral, much to the delight of the visitors.
The first polo match of the festival was played between the Laspur A and Ghizer polo teams, with Laspur emerging victorious with 6:3 goals. In the second match of the day, Laspur B defeated Phandar by 9:2 goals. In another match, Yasen won by 3:2 goals against Mastuj.
Thousands of domestic and foreign tourists are attending the event, enjoying not just the fierce polo rivalries, but also the scenic beauty, local music, dance, and traditional food that make the Shandur Polo Festival a truly unique experience.
The festival continues to be a symbol of harmony, sportsmanship, and cultural pride for the people of Chitral, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Pakistan as a whole.