UPPER CHITRAL: The Shandur Polo Festival 2026 concluded with a historic victory as Gilgit Baltistan defeated Chitral in a closely contested final, ending Chitral’s long-standing dominance in the iconic mountain polo rivalry.
In a high-pressure match played at the world’s highest polo ground in Shandur, both teams displayed exceptional skill and determination. Chitral had dominated the tournament since 2014, but Gilgit Baltistan staged a dramatic comeback to change the outcome this year.
The final ended 5-5 in regular time after a fast-paced and thrilling contest that kept thousands of spectators engaged. Gilgit Baltistan then secured the decisive goal in extra time to seal a 6-5 victory and claim the Shandur Polo Festival 2026 title.
Chitral had taken an early lead in the first half, but Gilgit Baltistan responded strongly in the later stages of the match and ultimately turned the game in their favor.
The closing ceremony and final match were attended by several senior civil and military officials. The chief guest on the occasion was Commander XI Corps Lieutenant General Umar Ahmed Bukhari, who inaugurated the final by throwing the ball into play.
Other prominent attendees included Inspector General FC Major General Rao Imran, Commandant Chitral Scouts Colonel Arslan, Commissioner Malakand Masood Ahmad, Secretary Tourism Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Saadat Hassan, Director General KP Tourism Authority Shahid Khan, and Deputy Commissioner Upper Chitral Muhammad Imran.
The event was jointly organized with the support of the Pakistan Army, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Culture and Tourism Authority, Chitral Scouts, and district administration, and was witnessed by a large number of local and foreign tourists.
