Jashn-e-Baharan Polo Tournament 2025

Jashn-e-Baharan Polo Tournament 2025 Begins with Traditional Fanfare in Gilgit The vibrant Jashn-e-Baharan Polo Tournament 2025 commenced on Sunday at the Wahab Shaheed Polo Ground, drawing large crowds and resonating with the rhythmic beats of traditional drums. The annual event, a much-anticipated fixture in Gilgit-Baltistan’s cultural calendar, was officially inaugurated by Governor Syed Mehdi Shah. The opening ceremony saw an impressive turnout, underscoring the region’s deep-rooted passion for polo, a sport closely woven into the area's heritage. The event is jointly organized by the Gilgit-Baltistan Tourism, Sports & Culture Department in collaboration with the Force Command Northern Areas (FCNA). This year, 26 teams—comprising 17 civilian and 9 departmental sides—will compete for the title. The tournament will run through mid-May, with the final match scheduled for May 17, 2025. Held annually in the spring months of April and May, the Jashn-e-Baharan Polo Tournament showcases district-level winners from across the region, who come together in Gilgit for the regional face-off. Top performers from this tournament often go on to represent their areas in the renowned Shandur Polo Festival, held each July at the iconic Shandur Pass. The Gilgit vs. Chitral match remains the highlight of the Shandur event, celebrated not just for its athleticism but also for fostering goodwill and unity between the communities of Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral.