GILGIT: The three-day Shandur Polo Festival kicked off on Friday with a colorful opening ceremony held at the world’s highest polo field, located at an altitude of 12,500 feet in Shandur, known as the “Roof of the World.”
Uncertainty loomed over the festival as Gilgit-Baltistan had threatened to boycott the historic event unless a “joint organisational framework” is made. The issue stemmed from a long-running border dispute with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa over the festival’s location. Both G-B and KP claim ownership of Shandur which connects Ghizer district of G-B with Chitral district of KP.
However, following a settlement, the Shandur Polo Festival is now being jointly organized by the KP Culture and Tourism Authority (KPCTA), the G-B Department of Tourism, Sports, Culture, Archaeology & Museums, the Pakistan Army, and the district administrations of Ghizer and Chitral.
The opening ceremony was inaugurated by the KP Sports Minister Fakhar Jehan. Adviser to the Chief Minister KP on Information Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif was also present on the occasion.
Polo teams marched past the ceremony while children from various schools recited the national anthem. Local artists also performed cultural dances and songs during the event.
A large number of tourists from all over the country flocked to the area to enjoy the festival. Senior civil and military officials, along with local administration officials and a significant number of locals, attended the event.
The three-day festival features polo matches Traditional rivals Chitral and Gilgit-Baltistan, paragliding, food stalls, musical performances, and traditional dances, attracting foreign and local tourists.
In the first match of the Shandur Polo Festival, the Laspur team defeated Upper Ghizer by three goals, scoring six goals against their opponents’ three. In the second match, the Headquarters Laspur team triumphed over Phandar with a score of 9–2.
However, the festivities were somewhat dampened by the unavailability of mobile and internet networks. Fans were left disappointed by the lack of communication services during the event. Although the SCOM towers were relocated from Chupursan Hunza, leaving hundreds of locals without mobile connectivity. The festival will conclude on June 22.
The Shandur Polo Festival, an iconic event held annually from July 7 to 9 at the world’s highest polo ground, has been rescheduled this year out of respect for Muharram.