The long-awaited Shandur Polo Festival 2025 has kicked off on the stunning grasslands of Shandur Pass, which lies at a mind-boggling height of 12,000 feet above sea level. Scheduled to take place from June 20 to 22, the festival is an exclusive combination of high-altitude sports, culture, and natural beauty and draws thousands of tourists from all over Pakistan and around the globe.
Choreographed through the joint efforts of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Government, Gilgit-Baltistan Government, Pakistan Army, and Frontier Corps KP North, the festival became a symbol of heritage, adventure, and national oneness for the fourth time in a row.
Breathtaking Opening Ceremony Wows Spectators
The festival began with a miraculous show of skill and coordination. Pakistan Army SSG commandos dropped in with a dramatic flourish through parachutes, alighting exactly on the Shandur Polo Ground, with thunderous applause by the huge gathering. As an add-on to the thrill, paragliders from the Army School of Physical Training dropped a breathtaking aerial act that dazzled the audience.
Thousands of local, national, and foreign viewers flocked to see the commencement of this high-altitude sporting fiesta, called around the world as “the highest polo ground in the world.”
Chitral Defeats Ghizer in Tournament Opener
The championship kicked off with an exciting clash between Chitral and Gilgit-Baltistan’s Ghizer team. The game was a whirlwind and action-packed affair in which Chitral won 6-3.
Chitral’s team exemplified better teamwork, strategy, and horsemanship on the ground. Ghizer was playing with passion but could not keep up with Chitral’s offensive onslaught. The victory provides Chitral with an early boost in the tournament and sets the stage for the remaining matches.
A Fusion of Sport, Culture, and Unity
The Shandur Polo Festival is more than just the game—it’s a Pakistani cultural event, a festival of hospitality, and regional brotherhood. Besides the polo games, the festival is attended with folk music, traditional dance performances, camping, and a display of local handicrafts, providing guests with an all-around cultural experience.
The current event is set to promote tourism and peace, and cement relationships between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan people through a goodwill competition.
What’s Next?
With a number of games lined up in the three-day festival, supporters can expect more high-intensity action and cultural celebrations over the next few days. The competition is set to be a memorable experience for the players and spectators alike.
