The three-day Shandur Polo Festival came to a vibrant close after days of cultural festivities, sporting action and tourism-focused activities, marking the end of one of the region’s most celebrated annual events.
The festival was jointly organised with the support of the Pakistan Army, the governments of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan and local authorities.
The highlight of the final day was the championship polo match between long-time rivals Chitral and Gilgit-Baltistan. In a thrilling contest, Gilgit-Baltistan emerged victorious, ending a 13-year wait to reclaim the prestigious Shandur Polo title.
The closing ceremony was attended by the Corps Commander Peshawar, Lieutenant General Umar Ahmed Bukhari, as the chief guest. Addressing participants, he praised the festival as a reflection of national unity, cultural diversity and harmony among different communities.
Visitors were treated to a range of attractions throughout the event, including paragliding demonstrations, traditional cultural performances and colourful tableaux presented by schoolchildren, all of which drew enthusiastic crowds.
Participants and visitors described the Shandur Polo Festival as a valuable platform for promoting tourism, preserving local traditions and showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the region to a wider audience.
Held annually at the world’s highest polo ground, the festival continues to attract tourists, sports enthusiasts, and cultural performers from across the country, reinforcing its status as a major cultural and sporting event in Pakistan.
Also read: Motorway M-5 to be temporarily closed for power restoration work
