Shandur Polo Festival kicks off in highlands
Spectators soak in the thrill and tradition as Gilgit and Chitral face off in a freestyle polo match at the world's highest polo ground during the Shandur Polo Festival. photo: APP
The historic and culturally significant Shandur Polo Festival has officially commenced at Shandur, the world's highest polo ground, situated at an altitude of 12,000 feet. The three-day event is being jointly organized by the K-P Tourism Authority, army, and Chitral Scouts.
The first day featured a thrilling polo match between Chitral's Sar Laspur and Ghizer team of Gilgit-Baltistan, with Sar Laspur clinching victory by 6-3.
Over the course of the festival, traditional rivals from Chitral and Gilgit-Baltistan will engage in spirited polo matches, drawing large crowds of local and international tourists to the scenic highlands of Shandur.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Recorder
12 hours ago
- Business Recorder
Shandur Polo Festival 2025 opens at world highest ground
PESHAWAR: The historic Shandur Polo Festival 2025 commenced with grandeur at the world's highest polo ground in Shandur, district Chitral Upper on Friday. The three-day festival is being jointly organized by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Culture and Tourism Authority, Pakistan Army, and Chitral Scouts. The opening ceremony was attended by Deputy Speaker Provincial Assembly Suraya Bibi, Advisor to the Chief Minister on Information Barrister Dr. Saif, Secretary Tourism Bakhtiyar Khan, Commissioner Malakand Abid Wazir, and Director General Tourism Habibullah Arif. A thrilling match between Chitral's Surlaspur team and Ghizer team from Gilgit-Baltistan marked the first day of the festival, with Surlaspur claiming victory by 6-3. Over the next three days, traditional rival teams from Chitral and Gilgit will engage in a series of exciting and fiercely contested polo matches. A large number of domestic and foreign tourists have reached Shandur to witness the event. Speaking on the occasion, KP Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Syed Fakhar Jehan said that Shandur Polo Festival is not merely a sport event, rather a vibrant cultural celebration that introduces the world to Pakistan's peaceful atmosphere, breathtaking landscapes and rich heritage. He added that Shandur Polo is a treasured cultural sport played at an altitude of 12,000 feet; attract polo enthusiasts and tourists from around the world. The minister warmly welcomed the players and visitors to Shandur, stating that such festivals are a message of peace to the world and a reflection of the love Pakistanis have for their culture. Highlighting the significance of the event, the minister said that the annual polo contest between Chitral and Gilgit promotes unity, harmony, and brotherhood between the two regions. A total of seven teams from each side are participating in the tournament. He added that under the leadership of Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur, efforts are being made to equip sports grounds with modern facilities across the province to foster healthy and positive activities among the youth. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
13 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Shandur Polo Festival kicks off in highlands
Spectators soak in the thrill and tradition as Gilgit and Chitral face off in a freestyle polo match at the world's highest polo ground during the Shandur Polo Festival. photo: APP The historic and culturally significant Shandur Polo Festival has officially commenced at Shandur, the world's highest polo ground, situated at an altitude of 12,000 feet. The three-day event is being jointly organized by the K-P Tourism Authority, army, and Chitral Scouts. The first day featured a thrilling polo match between Chitral's Sar Laspur and Ghizer team of Gilgit-Baltistan, with Sar Laspur clinching victory by 6-3. Over the course of the festival, traditional rivals from Chitral and Gilgit-Baltistan will engage in spirited polo matches, drawing large crowds of local and international tourists to the scenic highlands of Shandur.
Express Tribune
13-06-2025
- Express Tribune
Women's Squash Clinic held in Karachi
Participating female players seen with the organisers at the Women's Squash Clinic held at Pakistan Navy Roshan Khan Jahangir Khan Squash Complex. PHOTO: APP A special Women's Squash Clinic was successfully organised at the Pakistan Navy Roshan Khan Jahangir Khan Squash Complex with the support of the Ahmer Abbas family. The training clinic was aimed at promoting greater participation of women in national-level squash and to strengthen their presence in the squash community. Coach Naveed Alam provided awareness and practical training in squash to young female players from various educational institutions. National-level women players and sports teachers also participated in the clinic. The event concluded with a certificate distribution ceremony for the participants. Speaking at the occasion, Coach Naveed Alam emphasised the importance of such initiatives, stating, "This clinic presented a valuable opportunity to engage more women in squash and encourage them to participate actively in the sport. Support from philanthropists and organizations like the Ahmer Abbas family is essential to continue creating better opportunities for women in squash." Assistant Manager of the Roshan Khan Jahangir Khan Squash Complex, Muhammad Afzal, noted, "We are committed to playing our part in the promotion of women's squash. Very soon, new talent in women's squash will emerge at the national level." Renowned sports anchor Asif Khan remarked, "Producing champions like Jahangir Khan requires relentless effort and dedication." Senior sports journalist Zubair Nazir Khan added, "More initiatives like this are needed to support and safeguard the future of squash in Pakistan."
