Chitral teams set for Skardu polo final clash today
• Both teams of the region reach last match of Ali Sher Khan Anchan Polo Tournament
• Contest brings together vibrant traditions of Chitral and Gilgit-Baltistan
GILGIT: For the first time in history, the final of the Ali Sher Khan Anchan Polo Tournament in Skardu will be a face-off between two teams from Chitral today (Monday).
The two semi-final matches of the week-long tournament’s sixth edition were held at Skardu’s Maqpoon Polo Ground on Saturday.
In the first match, Chitral Booni defeated Skardu Green after a fierce and closely contested game to reach the final. In the second semi-final, Chitral Winds Eagle defeated Gilgit Red after an intense battle to book their place in the final.
A total of 20 polo teams, including 18 from Gilgit-Baltistan and two from Chitral, participated in the competition, which kicked off on Sept 19 and was organised by the Skardu administration.
Thousands of polo enthusiasts, tourists and supporters of the teams witnessed the thrilling and closely contested semi-finals, applauding and chanting slogans.
Traditional sport
Mohammad Ali Anjum, a local journalist, told Dawn that freestyle polo was a traditional sport in both Chitral and Gilgit-Baltistan.
Sher Abbas, a local resident, said freestyle polo matches remained a source of entertainment for residents.
Freestyle polo is the region’s most popular traditional sport, and competitions are arranged in every district.
According to locals, in earlier times, polo competitions were organised at the state level and local rulers patronised the sport.
Before Partition, polo teams from Gilgit-Baltistan participated in international matches in New Delhi and other cities.
Ahmed Ali, another polo fan, said the traditional sport of freestyle polo continued to thrive in Gilgit-Baltistan.
“Polo is part of Gilgit-Baltistan’s traditional heritage. The local music played during its matches is also an attraction and a unique feature of the freestyle polo festival,” he added. “These events not only promote sports activities in the region but also create harmony among local people.”
Ansar Elahi, a resident of Chitral, said the Skardu Polo Ground had witnessed a scene that would be remembered as a landmark moment in the history of Chitral’s polo.
“This success belongs not just to the two teams, but to Chitral’s polo, its young talent, and everyone associated with this magnificent sport,” he said.
“The affection shown by the people of Skardu and the polo fans throughout this historic achievement can never be forgotten,” he added. “The love, sincerity, and passion with which the people of Skardu, including polo players, the administration and fans, supported both the Chitral teams is truly commendable.”
Shared culture
Another polo fan from Chitral said the polo traditions of Chitral and Gilgit-Baltistan were not just a sport but beautiful symbols of their shared culture, friendship, tolerance and brotherhood. “Such matches will continue to strengthen the bond of love between the two regions,” he added.
Skardu Deputy Commissioner Hamza Murad said the event was not only a source of entertainment for locals but also encouraged tourism in the region.
In July this year, after more than a decade, the GB polo team lifted the Shandur Polo Festival title by defeating their Chitral rivals by one goal in an intense match that lasted almost an hour at the highest polo ground in the world.
Published in Dawn, September 28th, 2026
