Shandur, the world’s highest Polo ground is located between the border of the Chitral and Ghizer districts of Gilgit Baltistan Northern Pakistan at an altitude of 3700 meters above sea level.
History of Shandur Polo Ground
According to the history of Gilgit Baltistan, Ali Sher Khan Anchan Maqpoun used to play Polo at Shandur when Chitral was part of the Maqpon Empire Baltistan. Ali Sher Khan Anchan of Skardu extended his kingdom from Porang Tibet to Chitral in the 16th century.
British gained control over Chitral and Ghizer in the 19th century. British observed the first Polo match in Gilgit agency. British officers liked it too much that the British administrator for Gilgit EH Cobb ordered Namberar Niat Qabool Khan Kaka Khel of Ghizer to construct a Polo ground at Shandur. From 1936 Polo matches were held under British authorities. After the creation of Pakistan Ghizer become part of Pakistan. Today Shandur Polo festival is famous not only in Pakistan but outside the world too. The Polo which is played here is called ” Free Style Polo”. It is the original form of Polo. It is commonly believed that Polo originated in Persia. But the word Polo itself originated from Balti/Tibetan language which means “Ball”. In Balti and Tibetan horse polo is called ‘RTA’ Polo.
Polo is a very famous sport in Baltistan, Ladakh, Gilgit and Chitral. From this perspective, Polo may be originated from Baltistan which was part of Tibet in ancient times and then the Polo was introduced in the Gilgit and Chitral and Wakhan corridor. At that time, Wakhan was part of the Persian empire in ancient times. Persian may have first observed Polo in Chitral. British also first observed free-style Polo in Gilgit agency.
How to reach Shandor Polo Ground?
There are two routes to reach Shandor. It can be accessed from the district of Ghizer, Gilgit Baltistan. From Gilgit follow Ghizer road this is also called Gilgit Chitral road. This route is very stunning and it passes through the beautiful beautiful valleys of Phander, Yasin and Punial. Phander is one of the most beautiful places in Gilgit Baltistan. The road is being constructed.
Another route is from Chitral which is called the Chitral Shandoor highway. Shandor is located at a distance of 172 Km from Chitral town. This highway is under Pakhtunkhwa Highway Authority.
Shandur Lake
This lake is very beautiful. It is located near Shandur polo ground. The lake is a blue colour lake. This lake is full of trout fishes.
Shandur Polo Festival
Polo is a famous sport in Gilgit Baltistan and Chitral. It is believed that Polo was first started here. In Gilgit Baltistan and Chitral free style Polo is played which is the original form of Polo. A natural polo ground is there. This place is a perfect place for Polo. Each year in Summer Polo matches between teams of Chitral and Gilgit Baltistan are held here. Shandor Polo festival is one of the famous festivals in Pakistan. High officials from the government and military attend this event. PTV sports show the live match of the Shandor Polo festival.
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