Gilgit-Baltistan lifts Shandur Polo title at the ‘Roof of the World’
It was a heart touching vista at the roof of the world, when Gilgit-Baltistan polo team defeated the host team of Chitral by 7-4 in the historic Shandur Polo Festival at the Shandur Pass, Chitral on July 09, 2011.
It is worth mentioning here that the Shandur Pass is world’s highest polo ground located at an altitude of 12,500 feet in Northern region of Pakistan.
With victory, the Gilgit-Baltistan took revenge from its arch-rival, Chitral, as it won the tournament after five years. The Gilgit-Baltistan team did not take part in the fixture in 2010, due to some ideological clashes. However, they were at their best
this time and scored seven goals, while holding Chitral only for four in the free-style polo competition.
It is vital to mention here that Shandur Polo Festival occurs every year from July 07 to 09, at the world’s highest polo arena in Chitral.
The triumphant team of Gilgit-Baltistan consisted of Aslam Khan, Abdul Malik, Zulfiqar, Safdar Ali, Altaf and the skipper, Ghulam Abbas. On the other side, the host side compromised of Izhar Ali, Raza Khan, Isran Wali, Shahzad Ahmed, Mohammad Hussain and
skipper, Shahzada Sikandar.
Ghulam Abbas was the real architect of the victory, who not only enchanted the spectators with his single-hand stick work and lengthy rides, but also notched four goals in the four chukkas. Interestingly it was a foul-free game, as it had not evolved with
the modern modifications.
Thousands of on-lookers comprised of foreigners and national tourists and sport lovers were also present on the occasion to enjoy the sport at the world’s highest ground.
As per the expectations and previous track record, Chitral and Gilgit-Baltistan commenced the game quite aggressively and exchanged three goals in the first chukka. In the hardly fought second period, the Chitral team added a goal and put Gilgit-Baltistan
under intense pressure.
However, the lead lasted for a short time and Gilgit-Baltistan tied the knots in the third set of play. They not only scored four goals in the second half, but also held opponent Chitral goal-less. In the waning minutes, the attackers from the home team
received many chances, but failed to convert them into the successful scores. As the final whistle blew, it was a noise of victory everywhere. The supporters of the visiting team celebrated the joys with local dances and music.
It not only swept joys on faces of the players, but the same feeling swayed through the entire Gilgit-Baltistan region, as they lifted the trophy after five years. The triumphant team was awarded a winning trophy along with PKR 0.5 million, while the runner-up
was honoured with PKR 75,000 and a trophy.
Syed Mehdi Shah, the Chief Minister Gilgit-Baltistan, while speaking on the occasion, promised that all the issues being faced by the natives of the area would be passed on to Prime Minister of Pakistan Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani at the earliest. He further
stated that skipping tournament was not a solution of problems. He urged all the stakeholders to work together for promotion of the sport at the international and national level.
Syed Aqil Shah, the Provincial Minister for Sports, who was also present on the occasion, spoke to the media saying that they were putting all efforts to facilitate the inhabitants with the modern sports equipment.
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