CHITRAL: The majestic plains of Shandur, often referred to as the “Roof of the World,” witnessed the conclusion of the much-anticipated Shandur Polo Festival 2025 amid an atmosphere of cultural pride, sporting spirit, and scenic landscape.
The festival, held at the world’s highest polo ground, concluded with great fanfare on Sunday evening, under the joint organisation and support of the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Government of Gilgit-Baltistan, the Pakistan Army, and Frontier Corps Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (North).
The final day of the festival saw a large turnout, with thousands of local and international spectators in attendance. Tourists from across the globe had gathered to witness this unique blend of high-altitude sports and traditional heritage that reflects the deep-rooted history of the region.
The chief guest for the closing ceremony was Corps Commander Peshawar, Lieutenant General Umar Ahmad Bukhari, who appreciated the efforts of all stakeholders in organizing a peaceful and successful event.
The highlight of the festival was the intense polo final between traditional rivals Chitral and Gilgit. The match lived up to its expectations, providing high-octane action and drawing enthusiastic cheers from the crowd. In a closely contested battle, Chitral clinched victory by a narrow margin, defeating Gilgit 8–7 in a dramatic finish.
Polo at Shandur is more than just a game—it is a centuries-old tradition that symbolizes bravery, skill, and sportsmanship in the mountainous regions of Pakistan. The annual face-off between Chitral and Gilgit is a major attraction and a source of pride for both regions.
The closing ceremony featured captivating performances and demonstrations. The SSG Shahbaz Team of the Pakistan Army executed an awe-inspiring free-fall parachuting demonstration, descending onto the Shandur grounds with precision and grace. Adding to the spectacle, the Army School of Physical Training (ASPT), Kakul performed a colorful paragliding show, mesmerizing the audience as vibrant parachutes painted the skies above the Shandur Pass.
Cultural performances were also a major draw, with the traditional Kalasha dance being one of the highlights. Dressed in their distinctive attire, the Kalasha performers brought the region’s indigenous spirit and rich heritage to life, much to the delight of the crowd.
The chief guest distributed trophies and awards to the players and teams for their exceptional performances throughout the festival. In his address, Lieutenant General Umar Ahmad Bukhari extended heartfelt thanks to all attendees, including local communities, civil authorities, international visitors, and media representatives.
He particularly acknowledged the hospitality and unity displayed by the people of Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, emphasising the importance of such events in promoting peace, tourism, and cultural harmony.
As the ceremony concluded, the atmosphere was charged with patriotic fervor. Loud chants of support for the Pakistan Army and Frontier Corps echoed through the valley, underscoring the deep bond between the armed forces and the people.
The Shandur Polo Festival once again proved to be a shining example of Pakistan’s rich cultural diversity and peaceful traditions. Set against the breath-taking backdrop of snow-capped peaks and pristine lakes, the event successfully blended sport, music, culture, and national unity.
With its conclusion, the Shandur Polo Festival 2025 has left behind unforgettable memories for all participants and spectators, reinforcing its status as one of Pakistan’s premier cultural and sporting events.
Read also: Back on the heights: Shandur festival sees Chitral lead the charge
