Shandur Polo Festival Revives Age-Old Tradition on the World’s Highest Polo Ground

SHANDUR, Pakistan (AP) — The mountains of northern Pakistan resonated with excitement as the annual polo festival unfolded at the Shandur Polo Field, perched at approximately 3,700 meters (12,000 feet) above sea level. The air was filled with cheers as horses galloped across the lush green field, while wooden mallets struck the ball, igniting a wave of celebration among the thousands in attendance.

Set against a backdrop of towering snow-capped peaks and a brilliant blue sky, the event celebrated not just sport but also the rich cultural heritage of the region. The Shandur Polo Festival has become a hallmark of tradition, drawing together diverse spectators who watched the unique freestyle mountain polo, a practice that has been part of local life for centuries.

Families, tourists, and locals packed the makeshift stands, sharing in the joy of the game as laughter and cheers filled the air. Children waved flags enthusiastically, while older attendees, bundled in warm shawls, enjoyed the spirited atmosphere. The final match saw Gilgit-Baltistan's polo team triumph over their long-standing rivals, Chitral, with a nail-biting score of 6-5, sparking exuberant celebrations among players and fans alike.

Often referred to as the "game of kings," polo typically evokes images of nobility. However, in Shandur, it embodies the essence of community, local pride, and cultural legacy, with the freestyle variant here regarded as one of the sport's oldest forms. The three-day event was made possible through the collaboration of the Pakistan Army, the provincial government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and the Gilgit-Baltistan government, emphasizing the importance of cultural heritage and tourism in the area.

The festival also showcased a vibrant cultural tapestry, featuring music, traditional dances, and local culinary delights, turning the plateau into a lively celebration of the region's rich traditions.