Chitral emerged victorious over Gilgit in a gripping 9–7 clash at the final of the Shandur Polo Festival 2025, held at the breathtaking altitude of 12,000 feet. The annual high-altitude showdown once again drew thousands of spectators, including international tourists, to the legendary Shandur Pass.
Gilgit’s ‘A’ team showed remarkable improvement this year, putting up a strong fight, but Chitral’s solid defense proved unbreakable. Despite multiple attempts by Gilgit to narrow the lead, Chitral held firm and secured the title, continuing their legacy of dominance at the festival.
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The three-day event, held from June 20 to 22, was jointly organised by the governments of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan, with support from the Pakistan Army and Frontier Corps KP (North). The final day saw a vibrant closing ceremony with cultural dances, paragliding shows, and a spectacular free-fall display by the elite SSG ‘Shahbaz’ team.
Lieutenant General Umar Ahmad Bukhari, Corps Commander Peshawar, attended as the chief guest and presented awards to the players. He appreciated the efforts of the civil administration and warmly welcomed the participation of foreign tourists, calling the festival a symbol of unity and peace.
