CHITRAL: The snow-clad landscapes of Kalash Valley echoed with cheers as the two-day ‘Indigenous Winter Sports Festival 2026’ reached its spectacular conclusion here on Tuesday in the Bumburet Valley.

Organised by the Lower Chitral administration and the district sports office, the gala served as a vibrant showcase of the region’s ancient heritage and athletic prowess.

Athletes from across the valley braved the freezing temperatures to compete in traditional games that have defined Kalash culture for centuries.

The festival featured high-energy matches of Heem Ghal (snow golf), Antu Dek (traditional wrestling), and the rugged, fast-paced sport of Buzkashi, which is a traditional sport in which horse-mounted players attempt to place a goat or calf carcass in a goal.

The agility of players, navigating deep snow with traditional expertise, drew immense applause from a diverse audience of locals, travellers, and foreign tourists.

Lower Chitral deputy commissioner Rao Hashim Azeem was the chief guest at the closing ceremony.

Addressing the gathering, Mr Azeem emphasised the broader vision behind the festivities.

“The purpose of the Indigenous sports festival is not merely entertainment, but the preservation of our unique regional culture and the engagement of youth in positive activities,” he stated.

He noted that such initiatives were key to positioning the Kalash Valley as a global hub for winter tourism, a move expected to provide a significant boost to the local economy.

The event concluded with the distribution of trophies and prizes among the top-performing athletes, marking another successful chapter in the valley’s efforts to keep its mountain traditions alive.

Published in Dawn, February 18th, 2026