Chitral defeats Gilgit in thrilling final at world’s highest polo ground in Shandur, Gilgit-Baltistan
GILGIT: (UrduPoint/Pakistan Point News-June 23rd, 2025) The Shandur Polo Festival 2025 came to a spectacular close, showcasing the rich cultural heritage and sporting spirit of northern Pakistan at the world’s highest polo ground in Shandur, Gilgit-Baltistan.
In front of thousands of spectators, including local and international tourists, the final match of the festival was held between traditional rivals Chitral and Gilgit. Chitral emerged victorious with a close score of 9 goals to 7, defeating Gilgit in a fiercely contested game.
Gilgit’s A team displayed a marked improvement in performance compared to previous years, giving tough competition to Chitral.
However, Chitral's strong defense and tactical play ensured their win by stopping several crucial goal attempts.
The three-day festival, held from June 20 to 22, was organized with the collaboration of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Government, Gilgit-Baltistan Government, Pakistan Army and Frontier Corps KP (North).
The chief guest for the closing ceremony was Corps Commander Peshawar, Lieutenant General Umar Ahmed Bukhari, who witnessed the thrilling finale along with a crowd of enthusiastic fans.
The closing event featured spectacular free-fall jumps by the SSG Shahbaz team of the Pakistan Army and an impressive paragliding performance by the Army school of Physical Training, Kakul. The audiences were also treated to a traditional Kalashi dance, adding a cultural flair to the event.
Lieutenant General Bukhari presented awards to the players and, in his speech, expressed gratitude to all attendees, the civil administration and especially the foreign tourists for their participation and support, acknowledging the festival’s role in promoting peace and tourism in the region.
