CHITRAL: The world’s highest polo ground at Shandur is set to host the historic Shandur Polo Festival, starting from today (Thursday).

Thousands of polo fans from Chitral and Gilgit-Baltistan have already arrived at the venue. A big tent village has been established, dotting the landscape, offering a beautiful view near the two-kilometre-long natural lake surrounded by high mountains.

Five exciting games will take place between Chitral and GB teams during the first two days, while the festival will end on June 13 with a thrilling final match.

The famous festival was first started by a British political officer in Chitral in 1936. After a long pause of 46 years, it was restarted in 1982 by Shakil Durrani, the then deputy commissioner of Chitral.

Published in Dawn, June 11th, 2026