The National Logistics Cell (NLC) organized a three-day Polo Tournament in the scenic Phander Valley, in Ghizer District, Gilgit Baltistan. The tournament kicked off on June 22 with the final match scheduled for June 24 (today).
Important to note that ‘freestyle polo’ is exclusively played in Gilgit Baltistan and Chitral. However, due to COVID-19 restrictions, no sporting event had been organized in Phandar Valley since 2020. NLC, which is developing infrastructure in Gilgit Baltistan, sponsored the polo tournament to promote healthy sporting activities in the region.
Read more: Gilgit-Baltistan: “Bam-e-Dunya” – the roof of the world
This year, five teams contested for the coveted trophy. In the opening match of the tournament, Ghizer Tiger convincingly defeated Ghizer Bazigar by three goals. Ghizer Tiger scored seven goals while Ghizer Bazigar posted only four goals.
In the second match, Ghizer Highlanders defeated Phandar Defender 6-3 to qualify for the next round of the tournament. The final match will take place today.
NLC polo Tournament 2022 Phander valley #polo #polosport #polo代購 #poloChallenge #PhanderValley #ghizervalley #GilgitBaltistan #gilgit_heaven_on_earth pic.twitter.com/gR8OVMTSCq
— Phander valley Gilgit Baltistan❣️🇵🇰❣️ (@PhandervellayGB) June 22, 2022
NLC’s construction work in Gilgit Baltistan
NLC has officially begun work on the Gilgit-Shandur Road. The road will serve as an alternative to the strategic Karakoram Highway besides linking the pristine valleys in the region.
According to the details, NLC will construct 76 kilometers portion of the Gilgit-Shandur Road. NLC has already mobilized machinery, plant, and equipment besides establishing a camp with requisite facilities of modern engineering.
Interestingly, working on the road will be quite challenging for NLC due to the short weather window to undertake construction work. The threat of rock and landslides looms large during construction work as well as heavy snow and rainfall.
Read more: NLC kicks off construction work on Gilgit-Shandur Road
On the other hand, once completed, the Gilgit-Shandur road will be a game-changer. The CPEC standard road will give a boost to Pakistan’s tourism industry. As a result, the living standards of the people of Gilgit-Baltistan will improve. Moreover, travel time between Gilgit and Shandur valley will be reduced from 7 hours to 4 hours only.