LEH, SEPT 27: Indus Polo Club registered a convincing 5–2 victory over the Animal Husbandry Department team in a men’s horse polo exhibition match held at the historic Shagaran Polo Ground in Chuchot, Leh, as part of the ongoing Ladakh Festival 2026.
The exhibition match, organised on the second day of the three-day festival, attracted enthusiastic crowds comprising local residents, tourists and foreign visitors.
The contest offered spectators a glimpse of Ladakh’s longstanding equestrian tradition and the skill involved in the region’s traditional horse polo.
The match began with Dr Samiullah of the Animal Husbandry Department throwing the ball to mark the commencement of play.
Both sides produced an engaging contest, displaying horsemanship, speed, coordination and competitive spirit over two 20-minute halves, separated by a 10-minute interval.
Indus Polo Club took the field in blue jerseys, while the Animal Husbandry Department team played in yellow and white. Ziyafat Ali officiated the match as referee.
The exhibition at the historic Shagaran Polo Ground added a sporting dimension to the Ladakh Festival celebrations while highlighting the cultural significance of horse polo in the region.
The event also provided visitors an opportunity to witness Ladakh’s distinctive equestrian heritage first-hand, reinforcing efforts to preserve and promote traditional sports and introduce them to a wider audience.
