By Aman Noreen
Shandur polo ground is located in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan, at an altitude of 3,700 meters above sea level. It is the world’s highest polo ground and the venue of the annual Shandur Polo Festival.
The festival is a cultural event that showcases the traditional sport of free-style mountain polo, which is played without umpires and with minimal rules. The festival dates back to 1930, when a British administrator named Colonel Evelyn Hey Cobb asked the local rulers of Chitral and Gilgit to construct a polo ground in Shandur. The festival is held every year from 7 to 9 July and attracts teams from Chitral and Gilgit-Baltistan, as well as tourists and spectators from around the world.
The festival also features folk music, dancing, camping and other activities that celebrate the rich heritage and diversity of the region. The Shandur Polo Festival is a unique opportunity to witness the thrilling sport of polo in its purest form, while enjoying the breathtaking scenery of the Himalayas.
Polo is an ancient game that originated in Central Asia, possibly in China and Persia, between the 6th century BC and the 1st century AD. The name may come from the Tibetan word “pholo” meaning “ball” or “ballgame”1. Polo was initially a training game for cavalry units or nomadic warriors, and was often played by the elite of society, such as kings, princes, and queens.
The game was brought to Europe by British soldiers from India in the late 1800s, and became more modernized. The game is played by two teams of four players each, who use mallets with long, flexible handles to hit a small hard ball through the opposing team’s goal. The game usually lasts one to two hours, divided into periods called chukkas or “chukkers”.
Polo has been called “the sport of kings”2, and has become a spectator sport for equestrians and high society, often supported by sponsorship. It is now popular around the world, with well over 100 member countries in the Federation of International Polo, played professionally in 16 countries, and was an Olympic sport from 1900 to 19362.
The Shandur Polo festival 2023 featured traditional rival teams from Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral, who, like every year, competed for the coveted trophy in a fierce rivalry that dates back to decades. The final match began at 09:00 am in the morning on July 9.
Promising young Polo player of Chitral, Ilyas’s two timely goals and a goal scored by their star player Miraj led to a comfortable 7-5 victory over arch rival Gilgit to claim Shandur Polo Festival-2023 title in a thrilling free style game.
Shandur polo festival holds cultural, historic, and regional significance which is echoed globally and attracts foreign and local tourists to this area in great number during its season. Apart from tourists, both national and international media cover this festival every year. Positive media coverage helps improve the country’s image and perception, leading to an increase in tourist interest.
The festival brings together people from different regions and cultures within Pakistan and even international visitors. This event fosters cultural exchange, allowing tourists to interact with local communities, understand their way of life, and experience their hospitality.
Pakistani government and KP tourism authorities actively promote the Shandur Polo Festival to domestic and international audiences. They use various media channels, social media, and tourism campaigns to highlight the event’s uniqueness and encourage travelers to visit the country during this time. Once arrived, the rugged beauty of the Shandur Pass and the thrilling polo matches create an unforgettable experience for visitors.
The influx of tourists during the festival brings economic benefits to the local communities and businesses. Tourists spend money on accommodation, food, transportation, handicrafts, and other services, contributing to the local economy.
The region’s breathtaking landscape, with snow-capped mountains, lush green meadows, and pristine lakes, attracts nature lovers and photographers. The Shandur Pass itself offers panoramic views that are ideal for photography and capturing memories.
Besides polo, visitors can engage in various outdoor activities in the region, such as trekking, hiking, and camping, making it an attractive destination for adventure seekers.
Despite all these natural attractions, there are many areas where government must invest in order to improve the services to foreign tourists to Shandur.
Infrastructure Development: Improve road networks, transportation options, and accommodation facilities in and around the Shandur Pass. This will make it easier for international tourists to access the festival site and stay comfortably during their visit.
Travel Advisory and Safety Measures: The government and tourism authorities should provide up-to-date travel advisories and safety guidelines for international visitors. This includes information on the festival, local customs, and any security considerations in the region.
Visa and Entry Procedures: Simplify visa procedures for tourists coming to attend the Shandur Polo Festival. Implement an efficient visa application process and offer visa-on-arrival or e-visa options, if possible, to attract more travelers.
Language Support: Provide language support, such as English-speaking guides and interpreters, to assist international tourists in communicating with local communities and understanding the cultural nuances.
Promotion and Marketing: Promote the Shandur Polo Festival on international platforms, tourism websites, and social media to attract a global audience. Collaborate with international travel agencies and tour operators to include the festival in their itineraries.
Signage and Information: Install clear signage and information boards in multiple languages at key locations and tourist sites, providing directions, safety information, and historical context about the festival and the region.
Once implemented, these improvements will enhance the experience of tourists to this beautiful part of the planet and it will also contribute towards soft national power by promoting the country as sports loving nation full of zeal and eager to host everyone.
