Shandur Polo Ground

Shandur Polo Ground, also known as Shandur Top,(Urdu: شندور) is a polo ground located in Ghizer District of Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan.^[1][2]

Shandur Polo Ground
Shandur Polo Ground
Location of Shandur Polo Ground Show map of Gilgit Baltistan Shandur Polo Ground (Pakistan) Show map of Pakistan
Location	Ghizer District, Gilgit–Baltistan
Coordinates	36°05′08″N 72°32′43″E

It hosts the annual Shandur Polo Festival, an event that features polo matches between teams representing the Chitral District and Gilgit-Baltistan.^[3] The festival typically spans three days, taking place from July 7 to July 9 each year.

The ground is located beside the Shandur Lake^[4] and the Shandur National Park.

History

In the early 1930s, Major Evelyn Hey Cobb, who served as Britain's appointed political agent, issued an order to Niat Qabool Hayat Kakakhel, the Nambardar (local leader) of Ghizer, to establish a large polo ground in Shandur. This polo ground was subsequently named "Mas Junali," which translates to 'moonlit polo ground' in the Khowar language. Major Cobb had a strong affinity for playing polo under the moonlight.

Shandoor Lake

Ali Sher Khan Anchan was known to play polo in Shandur during the time when Chitral was part of the Maqpon empire.^[5][6] Historically, the sport was played between the small kingdoms of the Gilgit Agency.

Starting in 1936, annual polo tournaments began to be held at Shandur under the patronage of the British. Over the years, the three-day Shandur Polo Festival has evolved and grown into the grand celebration of mountain polo that it is today.

The British rulers were impressed by the unprecedented constructional works of the people of Koh-e-Ghizer. In recognition of their achievements, a prize was offered to Niat Qabool Hayat. He requested the British representatives to stock the local water streams with trout, and as a result, a significant quantity of trout was introduced to the streams of Koh-e-Ghizer, contributing to the region's environmental and economic development.

A number of tourists come to watch the annual polo matches between Chitral and Ghizer.^[7] The princes and political agents of Chitral also enjoyed playing polo in Shandur. From 1936 onwards polo tournaments were held annually at Shandur at the patronage of the British. The three-day Shandur Polo Festival has developed steadily in recent years into the massive celebration of mountain polo that it is today. Since 1982 the matches are being arranged by Chitral administration, levies, Chitral scout and police. GB teams participated as guests team.

Cultural events

During the annual Shandur Polo Festival, there are polo matches played at the Shandur Polo Ground on Shandur Top, between the teams of Chitral District and Gilgit-Baltistan. Approximately seven matches are played in the three days of the festival usually held on 7 to 9 July every year. The final match is played on 9 July between Teams A of Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral.^[8]