Chitral team lifts polo trophy
SKARDU: Local artists perform a sword dance ahead of the final match of the Ali Sher Khan Anchan Polo Tournament in Maqpoon ground.—Dawn GILGIT: Chitral Winds Eagle Team lifted the trophy at the 6th Ali Sher Khan Anchan Polo Tournament after defeating the Chitral-Booni HQ team in a freestyle polo match held at the Maqpoon ground in Skardu. A total of 20 teams, including 18 from Gilgit-Baltistan,…
In Skardu, the village of Maqpoon hosted the 6th Ali Sher Khan Anchan Polo Tournament, where the Chitral Winds Eagle Team emerged victorious. The final match saw the local Chitral Winds Eagle Team defeat the Chitral-Booni HQ Team in freestyle polo. The event drew a crowd of thousands, including tourists from both Pakistan and abroad.
The polo ground was packed with spectators, many of whom were locals who showed their support for the players without bias. Organizers ensured that all teams had access to all necessary facilities. Mohammad Sohail, a player on the Chitral Winds Eagle Team, expressed his joy at the match, praising the support from both locals and organizers.
Mohammad Illyas from the now-defeated Chitral-Booni Team also commended the efforts of the organizers and fans. Despite Chitral not qualifying as a team for the final, the performances of both Chitral teams left a lasting impression on the crowd. Former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi was present to witness the event. He noted that while international polo has its own specific rules, freestyle polo, which is native to the region, is unique and exciting.
A tourist from Poland described the match as "crazy and amazing." In addition to the final match, tug-of-war competitions were held, featuring local players. The tournament, organized by the Skardu district administration, the GB Polo Association, and the tourism department, concluded with the presentation of trophies and prizes.
Written by urgent.news from Dawn - Pakistan's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.