GILGIT-BALTISTAN — Gilgit-Baltistan emerged victorious in the 2026 Shandur Polo Festival, ending Chitral’s 13-year dominance by securing a narrow 6-5 win in the final. The match took place on Saturday at the historic Shandur Polo Ground, known as the world’s highest polo field.
The closely contested final witnessed a fierce competition between the two sides, with Gilgit-Baltistan eventually breaking Chitral’s longstanding winning streak. The Shandur Polo Festival, an annual event that draws thousands of spectators, is a significant cultural tradition in the region.
The festival not only showcases exciting polo matches but also emphasizes the enduring heritage and spirit of the game in the mountainous region of the Hindu Kush.
