Chitral “A” won final match of Shandur Polo Festival
CHITRAL: The three days annual Shundor polo festival 2012 concluded at the highest polo ground of the world, 12500 feet above sea level. During the three days polo festival polo matches were played between the traditional rival teams of Gilgit and Chitral.
On first day Ghizar defeated Laspur by scoring 9 goals. Laspur was able to score only one goal.
On the second day Gilgit – Baltistan’s “D” team competed against Chitral D. Both teams were able to score 6 goals each after a tough match. The seventh goal scored by Diamer (Gilgit D) became disputed, leading to riots. A group of youth climbed the stage and roughed up several policemen and organizers, while also damaging chairs. In reaction police resorted to aerial firing and shelling. The match was disrupted. Later, Diamer was declared winner.
Chitral C defeated GB by scoring 7 goals against 5. Gilgit B defeated Chitral B by 4 goals, scoring 8 goals in total.
On the final day Chitral A defeated Gilgit A by 5 goals, scoring 10 goals in total.
Governor Gilgit Baltistan Pir Karam Ali Shah was chief guest on the occasion . Also presented were GB Chief Minister, Syed Mehdi Shah, Force Commander NA, Major General Ikramul Haq, KP Minister for Sports, Syed Aqil Shah, IG Frontier Constabulary (FC), KP Minister for Population Welfare, Saleem Ahmad, among otthers.
More than 10,000 people were present at the world’s highest polo ground to witness the festival. Cultural events were also held as part of the festival. [With reporting by G.H.Farooqi]
