CHITRAL: Shandur – the world’s highest pologround – is set to create another history of being the highest ice hockey ground as an extravaganza of winter sports is going to be held on December 28 on its 1.5-kilometre-long frozen lake.

Adviser to chief minister on tourism, culture, archaeology, and museums Zahid Chanzeb inaugurated the event on Wednesday.

Speaking on this occasion, he said that the government was making history by holding the Shandur winter sports competitions for the first time at Harchin Valley in Upper Chitral.

He said Shandur polo ground was internationally famous for the polo festival held in summer, but ice hockey, curling and speed-skating competitions were being held there for the first time in the province’s history.

He said the initiative was aimed at establishing Shandur ground as a year-round destination for tourists.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Culture and Tourism Authority, Winter Sports Federation, the district administration of Upper Chitral and Chitral Scouts, are jointly organising the competitions.

It is to mention here that the first phase of the event began on Sunday in the Laspur Valley of Upper Chitral. Over 100 athletes, including women, from both Lower and Upper Chitral districts are participating. During this phase, players would be selected to compete in the final matches at Shandur Top on December 28.

Players from various valleys, including Gabor, Garam Chashma, Kalash, Madaklasht, Booni, Parwak, Yarkhun Lasht, Harchin and others are participating in the competitions.

Published in Dawn, December 26th, 2024