Shandur Polo Festival 2026

Gilgit-Baltistan End 12-Year Wait to Clinch Shandur Polo Festival 2026 Title. Gilgit-Baltistan brought an end to a 12-year title drought by defeating their traditional rivals Chitral 6-5 in a thrilling final of the Shandur Polo Festival 2026 at the historic Shandur Polo Ground on Friday. The championship clash kept thousands of spectators captivated as both teams displayed exceptional skill, determination, and sportsmanship throughout the contest. In a fiercely contested encounter, Gilgit-Baltistan held their nerve in the closing moments to preserve a narrow lead and lift the prestigious Shandur Trophy. The historic victory marks Gilgit-Baltistan’s first triumph over Chitral in a Shandur Festival final since 2014, ending more than a decade of disappointment against their long-standing rivals. The achievement sparked jubilant celebrations among players, officials, and supporters who had gathered to witness the much-anticipated showdown. Observers have credited a significant part of the team's success to the strategic efforts of Secretary Tourism, Sports and Culture Gilgit-Baltistan, Sardar Asad Haroon, who made the revival of Gilgit-Baltistan’s Shandur campaign a top priority after assuming office. Following his appointment, Sardar Asad Haroon reportedly conducted a comprehensive review of previous shortcomings and challenges faced by the team. Working closely with his official team, the Gilgit-Baltistan Polo Association, team management, coaches, and players, he helped formulate a broad strategy aimed at reclaiming the coveted Shandur title. The policy focused on strengthening player preparation, improving training opportunities, addressing administrative challenges, and ensuring continuous coordination among all stakeholders. Sports circles believe that this structured planning and sustained support played a key role in Gilgit-Baltistan’s successful campaign at Shandur 2026. Congratulating the winning team, Sardar Asad Haroon expressed his delight over the achievement. "Alhamdulillah, after 12 long years, Gilgit-Baltistan has finally reclaimed the Shandur title. Allah Almighty has been very kind. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the entire Team GB on this remarkable achievement. It is now time to celebrate this historic victory and give our outstanding team the grand welcome they truly deserve," he said. The Secretary’s efforts, leadership, and commitment to promoting polo in Gilgit-Baltistan have been widely appreciated by sports enthusiasts, polo circles, government officials, dignitaries, and members of the public following the team's historic triumph. Held annually at the world’s highest polo ground, the Shandur Polo Festival attracts thousands of visitors from across Pakistan and abroad. The festival serves as a vibrant celebration of the rich cultural heritage of Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral while preserving and promoting the centuries-old tradition of freestyle polo in the mountainous north.