PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Cultural and Tourism Authority hosted a prize distribution ceremony for the winning teams of the Shandur Polo Festival and commended their performance for making the event successful, to entertain tourists and sports lovers.
The champion team of the Shandur Polo Festival 2025 visited the office of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Culture and Tourism Authority (KPCTA) in Peshawar on Monday, following their historic win. The victorious team, led by Manager Major Waleed, was warmly received and hosted by KPCTA Chairman Habibullah Arif. Speaking at the occasion, Arif highlighted the provincial government’s longstanding support for polo, stating, “The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has been supporting the sport of polo since 1980, and today’s ceremony is a token of appreciation for our champions.”
He further announced that the Tourism Authority is planning additional welfare initiatives for both players and their horses, including the proposal of a specialised hospital to be discussed with the Chief Minister. “This is the first time that the winning team has been formally invited and honoured after the festival,” said Arif, underlining the government’s intention to expand institutional support for traditional sports. The Shandur Polo Festival, often referred to as the “highest polo ground in the world,” is played annually between teams from Chitral (KP) and Gilgit-Baltistan, attracting national and international attention.
During the visit, Chitral Polo Team Manager Major Waleed expressed his gratitude to the provincial authorities for recognizing the team’s achievements. He pointed out the sacrifices made by local players. “Our players often make personal sacrifices, even cutting down on their own needs to care for their horses. What we need is consistent, festival-based or yearly support from the government.”
He added, “The love and respect shown by the government means a lot to us, and with continued backing, our players can perform even better.” Commenting on the rival Gilgit team, Waleed acknowledged that they are well-resourced.
“They bought new horses for the festival this year, and their facilities are far better—but still, Chitral managed to defeat them. Their government supports them heavily, and if similar support isn’t provided in KP, Gilgit could surpass Chitral in the coming years.”
Waleed also appreciated the support of the Pakistan Army and local administration, which he said helped ensure a well-organized and successful Shandur Polo Festival.
The event not only celebrated the victory but also served as a platform to discuss the future of polo in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the importance of structured support for traditional sports.
Read also: Shandur Polo Festival 2025 concludes in a Grand Celebration of Culture and Sports
