Chitral Scouts beat Levies to win pre-Shandur polo tournament

CHITRAL: Chitral Scouts won the Pre-Shandur Polo Tournament title on Sunday after defeating Chitral Levies 4-1 in the final at the historic Shahi Polo Ground.

The final began at a fast pace, with Shahzad Ahmed alias Shahji putting Chitral Scouts ahead within the opening two minutes. Chitral Levies responded quickly as Izhar Ali Khan scored the equaliser two minutes later. The contest remained intense for the next 10 minutes as both sides pressed for the lead.

Chitral Scouts pulled away in the closing three minutes of the first half when Israr Wali Khan and Imran each found the net to make it 3-1. The only goal of the second half was scored by Shahzad Ahmed Shahji, sealing a 4-1 victory for Chitral Scouts.

The winning side comprised Subedar Major Israr Wali Khan, who captained the team, along with Subedar Shahzad Ahmed Shah Ji, Naib Subedar Amir Hamza, Havildar Maqsood, Havildar Imran and Sepoy Asif Hussain. Chitral Levies were represented by captain Izhar Ali Khan, Nasrullah, Fawad Raza, Irfan Ali Khan, Aziz Ahmed and Arbab Quli Khan.

Commandant Chitral Scouts Colonel Arslan Abdul Majeed attended the final as chief guest. He and Deputy Commissioner Lower Chitral Rao Hashim Azim presented trophies and cash prizes to the finalists and individual award winners.

Israr Wali Khan of Chitral Scouts was named man of the match, while Irfan Ali Khan of Chitral Levies received the man of the tournament award. The Baba-e-Polo Amara Khan Lal Award was presented to retired polo player Maqbool Ali Khan.

The final attracted a crowd of more than 20,000 spectators. The three-week tournament featured 63 teams from across the Chitral region and served as a buildup to the annual Shandur Polo Festival.

Four teams for the Shandur Polo tournament will be selected on the basis of players’ performances in the event. The Shandur tournament is scheduled to begin on June 11 at Shandur, described as the world’s highest polo ground.