SHANDUR: The Chitral team clinched victory at the Shandur Polo Festival 2023, defeating Gilgit-Baltistan by 7-5 in a thrilling freestyle game played at the world’s highest playground in the Upper district on Sunday.
The final game kicked off with a high-speed start as players from both teams fiercely competed to outclass their opponents in the first half, amidst enthusiastic cheers from a large number of spectators.
Chitral took the lead with a score of 3-1 in the first half and extended their advantage to 4-1 in the second half. However, Gilgit’s team made an impressive comeback with two quick goals, making the match even more thrilling.
Gilgit came close to equalizing the contest on several occasions, but Chitral maintained their composure and held on to win by 7-5.
In a joyous moment, the Shandur Polo Trophy was presented to the victorious team captain, evoking laughter from the players and spectators.
Chitral’s Remarkable Record
Chitral has now won the event an impressive thirteen times consecutively.
The three-day Shandur Polo Festival took place from July 7th to July 9th, attracting participants from different parts of the country.
In addition to polo, the festival offered participants the opportunity to enjoy cultural dances, rock climbing, traditional food, paragliding, and trekking.
Every summer, tribes from the regions of Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral gather at the Shandur Pass. The pass features a picturesque polo ground where the unique freestyle polo game is played among different teams from the region.
The Shandur Polo Ground, situated at an altitude of 3,700 meters, is recognized as the world’s highest polo ground, where the historic game has been played since 1930.
The festival provides visitors with an incredible cultural experience amidst the mountain ranges of Hindukush.
