CHITRAL: The three-day Shandur Polo Festival continued for its second day with great enthusiasm, attracting a large number of local and international tourists to the picturesque Chitral area. The highlight of the festival was the polo matches played on the highest altitude ground, captivating spectators with their skill and excitement.
The second day’s festivities commenced with the inauguration by Brigadier Arsalan Israr Mirza, Director General GB scouts, who threw the polo ball to start the match. Secretary of Tourism Sohail Khan also graced the occasion with his presence.
The event witnessed a significant influx of both local and foreign tourists, all eager to witness the thrilling polo matches at Shandur. The festival, jointly organized by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Culture and Tourism Authority, Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps, and the district administration, ensured that all necessary arrangements were in place to facilitate and assist the visitors.
Activities at Shandur Polo Festival
Tourism police and guides were deployed to offer support to the tourists, while ample accommodation facilities, including camping pods, were made available. The tourism authority’s helpline remained operational for any assistance required. The second day of the festival also featured various vibrant activities such as paragliding, food stalls, and traditional dances. Stalls were set up to showcase and promote the exceptional artwork of local artists and skilled individuals from Chitral and Gilgit.
In the evening, a Chitral cultural night was organized, featuring captivating performances by local artists who sang traditional and cultural songs, mesmerizing the audience and highlighting the rich heritage of the region. Notably, the Shandur Polo ground, situated at an altitude of 3,800 meters, is known as the “Roof of the World,” and the King Game has been held there annually since 1936.
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Culture and Tourism Authority (KPCTA) made meticulous arrangements to ensure the festival’s success and aimed to attract both domestic and foreign tourists, showcasing the scenic beauty of the region and its traditional games.
On the second day of the festival, an exhilarating match unfolded between the Gilgit B team and the Chitral B team, with Gilgit B emerging victorious with a score of 5-2. Brigadier Arsalan Israr, Director General GB scouts, and DIG Naisr Satti presented gifts, cash prizes, and the trophy to the winning team, applauding their remarkable performance.
The Shandur Polo Festival promises to continue providing a memorable experience to all attendees, blending thrilling sportsmanship with cultural festivities amidst the stunning landscapes of Chitral.
