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Chitral triumphs 7-5 over Gilgit at Shandur Polo Festival

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Shandur Polo Festival

c triumphs 7-5 over Gilgit at Shandur Polo Festival

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  • The festival features unique freestyle polo matches at the highest polo ground in the world.
  • Chitral takes an early lead and holds off Gilgit’s comeback to secure the victory.
  • The Shandur Polo Festival serves as a platform for cultural exchange.
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Chitral emerged victorious in a thrilling clash against Gilgit, securing a 7-5 win at the Shandur Polo Festival. In the first half, Chitral took an early lead, scoring three goals while Gilgit managed to net just one. The halftime score stood at 3-1 in favor of Chitral.

As the second half commenced, Chitral continued their dominance by extending their lead to 4-1. However, Gilgit showcased their resilience by staging an impressive comeback. They quickly scored two consecutive goals, making the match more intense and exciting.

Gilgit’s spirited effort brought them within striking distance of leveling the match on several occasions. The game was on a knife’s edge as both teams battled fiercely on the polo ground. However, Chitral managed to maintain their composure and held their nerve, preventing Gilgit from equalizing.

Ultimately, Chitral emerged as the champions, triumphing over Gilgit with a final score of 7-5. Their ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities and their strong defensive play proved crucial in securing the victory.

The Shandur Polo Festival, a prestigious three-day event, took place from July 7 to 9. Polo teams from various regions across the country participated in this grand event. The festival serves as a significant gathering where tribes from Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral come together at the scenic Shandur pass every summer.

The Shandur pass boasts a magnificent polo ground where unique and thrilling freestyle polo matches are played among different teams representing the region. The festival not only showcases the traditional sport of polo but also provides a platform for cultural exchange and celebration among the participating communities.

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Situated at an astounding altitude of 3,700 meters, the Shandur Polo Ground holds the prestigious title of being the highest polo ground in the world. This remarkable venue is located adjacent to the breathtaking Shandur Lake, offering a scenic and awe-inspiring setting for the annual polo festival.

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The festival not only showcases the thrilling sport of polo but also serves as a platform for an incredible cultural experience in the Hindukush mountain ranges. Chitral and Gilgit, in particular, have a long-standing tradition of playing polo in its original form, preserving the essence and authenticity of the game.

Polo matches at the Shandur Polo Festival follow a unique set of rules. Each team consists of six players, with two halves of 25 minutes each and a 10-minute interval. Straying from the norm, only one polo pony is allowed per player. If a player or pony sustains an injury and leaves the field, the opposing team also reduces its strength by one player, ensuring a fair and balanced competition.

The dimensions of the field at Shandur Polo Ground differ from the standard polo field size. Measuring approximately 200 meters by 56 meters, it features 60 cm high stone walls running along both sides, rather than traditional boards. This distinct field layout adds to the charm and uniqueness of the games played at Shandur.

To determine the final teams for the Shandur Polo Festival, preliminary matches are held in both Chitral and Gilgit. Local juries carefully assess the performances of the players and horses during these matches, selecting the best participants to compete in the highly anticipated final games. The festival not only showcases the rich heritage of polo but also serves as a testament to the passion and skill of the players who uphold the spirit of this traditional sport.

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