Chitral edges past Gilgit-Baltistan to clinch Shandur Polo Festival 2025 title

Chitral clinched a thrilling victory in the final of the Shandur Polo Festival 2025, reaffirming its supremacy in traditional mountain polo by defeating Gilgit-Baltistan 9-7.

By the end of regular play, both teams were tied with seven goals each, leading to a 10-minute overtime. When no team scored, another five minutes were added during which Chitral A scored two more goals, clinching the win while Gilgit A remained scoreless.

A rare nail-biter in Shandur history

This may have been the most closely matched final in the event’s history. Despite the setback of injured horses, Gilgit A played with remarkable determination and pushed Chitral A to their limits.

Most of Chitral A’s goals came from their star player, Izhar Ali Khan, who once again proved why he is a key figure in the team’s success.

Before the much-anticipated final, teams from Gilgit-Baltistan dominated the first two days of the festival, winning the majority of their matches against Chitral.

The three-day event kicked off on June 20, 2025, at the world’s highest polo field in Upper Chitral. The festival was hosted by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Tourism and Culture Authority.

Chitral’s winning legacy

Chitral has now claimed the Shandur Polo trophy eight times since 2014, reinforcing its position as a dominant force in the region. The tournament was not held in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19, and again in 2024 due to weather concerns raised by the caretaker KP government.

The Shandur Polo Festival, dating back to 1936, has long been a symbol of camaraderie and tradition between Chitral and Gilgit-Baltistan. The event features freestyle polo, a fast-paced and rugged version of the sport, played at an altitude of 12,000 feet, earning it the title "Roof of the World."