Latest news with #ShandurPolo
Business Recorder
15 hours ago
- Sport
- 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
Arab News
a day ago
- Sport
- Arab News
Pakistan's Shandur Polo Festival kicks off at world's highest ground, draws global tourists
PESHAWAR: Pakistan's annual Shandur Polo Festival began Friday at an altitude of 12,000 feet in the country's mountainous north, with officials calling it a celebration of culture, sportsmanship and peace that draws tourists from around the world. Held each year at the Shandur Pass in Upper Chitral, the three-day festival features traditional freestyle polo matches between teams from Chitral and Gilgit-Baltistan, alongside folk music, camping, paragliding and cultural exhibitions. The event is considered a major tourist attraction and is played on what is often described as the highest polo ground in the world. 'Shandur Polo is one of our most important cultural sports, played at 12,000 feet,' said Syed Fakhar Jahan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs, at the opening ceremony, according to an official statement. 'Spectators and tourists from around the world come to witness this unique event,' he added. 'We welcome them all.' The festival sees teams from Gilgit and Chitral compete in fast-paced, no-holds-barred matches played without umpires, a throwback to the region's centuries-old polo traditions. Officials say the event aims to foster unity and harmony between the two regions, which share historical ties and a friendly sporting rivalry. 'Such activities send a message of peace to the world,' the provincial minister said. 'Pakistanis are a people who cherish their cultural heritage, and this festival reflects that spirit.'
