CHITRAL: The final match of the three-day Shandur Polo Festival, held at the world’s highest polo ground in Shandur, saw the Gilgit-Baltistan team triumph over Chitral with a score of 6 goals to 5 in a thrilling contest.
In the first half, the Chitral team dominated, scoring five goals while Gilgit-Baltistan managed four. However, the second half saw an impressive comeback by Gilgit-Baltistan, who added two more goals to secure the victory.
The closing ceremony featured Corps Commander XI Corps, Lieutenant General Omar Ahmed Bukhari, as the special guest, who officially inaugurated the final match by throwing in the ball.
The festival was organized in collaboration with the Pakistan Army, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Culture and Tourism Authority, Chitral Scouts, and the district administration.
Thousands of domestic and international tourists flocked to Shandur to witness the final match and fully enjoyed the game. Notable attendees included IGFC Major General Rao Imran, Commandant Chitral Scouts Colonel Arsalan, Commissioner Malakand Masood Ahmed, secretary of tourism Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Saadat Hassan, DG Tourism Authority Shahid Khan, and deputy commissioner upper Chitral Muhammad Imran.
This defeat marked the end of a 13-year streak for the Chitral team in the finals of the Shandur polo festival. Meanwhile, the players and fans of Gilgit-Baltistan celebrated their victory enthusiastically at the polo ground.
Read also: KP Tourism department releases Shandur polo festival schedule
