- KP Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs describes Shandur Polo Festival as not merely a sports event but a vibrant cultural celebration
- Barrister Saif says Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is a peaceful province, and the government is taking effective steps to promote tourism
SHANDUR: The historic Shandur Polo Festival 2025 commenced with grandeur at the world’s highest polo ground in Shandur. 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 of the Provincial Assembly Suraya Bibi, Advisor to the Chief Minister on Information Barrister Dr Saif, Secretary of Tourism Bakhtiyar Khan, Commissioner of Malakand Abid Wazir, and Director General of 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.
The opening ceremony featured a spectacular paragliding performance that greatly entertained the audience. Additionally, impressive musical presentations were given by the FC Band and Chitral Scouts Band.
During the festival, seven traditional teams from Gilgit and Chitral will compete against each other, and exciting and tough polo matches will continue for three days.
A large number of tourists have reached Shandur not only from different parts of the country but also from abroad to witness this unique cultural and sports event.
Speaking to the media on the occasion, Barrister Saif, the Advisor for Information to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister, said that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is a peaceful province and the provincial government is taking effective steps to promote tourism.
Speaking on the occasion, KP Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Syed Fakhar Jihan said that the Shandur Polo Festival is not merely a sports event, but 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, drawing polo enthusiasts and tourists from around the globe.
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 further stated that under the vision of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, the KP government is actively promoting traditional sports alongside modern games. 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.
