CHITRAL: Chitral polo teams have been officially announced for Shandur Polo Festival 2026, which will be held at Shandur, the world’s highest polo ground, from June 11.

According to a notification issued by deputy commissioner of Lower Chitral, the names of players for various teams have been approved in light of the recommendations made by the selection committee consisting ofthe representatives from the Chitral Polo Association,Chitral Scouts and Chitral Police.

Chitral-A will be led by Israr Wali Khanwhile the other players in his team include Shahzad Ahmad Shah Ji, Azhar Ali Khan, Amir Hamza, Nasirullah, Zia-ur-Rehman, Ilyas Ahmad and Arbab Quli Khan.

Asghar Hussain alias Body has been appointed as the captain of Chitral-B while the players of the team are Maqsoodur Rehman, Alhajur Rehman, Irfan Ali Khan, Asifur Rehman and Azhar Sohail. Shamim Ahmad of Kosht will lead the team-C while the other team members are Sohail Ahmed, Imadud Din, Ihtishamul Mulk, Mushtaq ur Rehman and Shoaib Raza.

Chitral-D’s players are Maqsood Ali Shah (captain), Shahzada Shuja Riazuddin, Mubashir Ahmed , Shahid ur Rehman, Masroor Elahi and Nadeemul Mulk.

The Shandur Polo Festival is considered the country’s largest traditional polo festival which features thrilling matches between the teams of Chitral and Gilgit-Baltistan, drawing thousands of spectators to the historic event.

Published in Dawn, June 8th, 2026