ISLAMABAD, Aug 13 The Third Babusar Polo Tournament got underway at the highest polo ground of the world at an altitude of 4,000 metres.

Teams from Gilgit, Chitral and Hunza are vying for the top positions that offer cash prizes, shields, trophies and certificates.

Though, the event pulls a large number of tourists, both domestic and foreign, every year, however, this time the organisers dont anticipate much fanfare due to security reasons.

“I fear the tournament would miss the usual hustle and bustle this time as it has been in the preceding years, yet we put in our maximum efforts to promote tourism in our country,” said Najeeb Khan, the official tour operator of the event.

Najeeb Khan, who is the vice president of Private Tour Operators Association, said that they had set up a beautiful camping-village having all the facilities. “It is part of our domestic tourism campaign -- Discover Your Own Country.”

Himalayan Holidays, a tour operator, has got camp sites in Naran, and around Saiful Maluk lake where one can spend the night for Rs200.

“We may not be making money, but it gives me more satisfaction when I sit down near the bonfire with a family from Lahore, Karachi or Kohat appreciating our effort of arranging something they have never experienced before,” Najeeb Khan said. —APP