Shandur Polo Match

The world's highest polo ground at Shandur Pass hosts the annual tournament between the Districts of Chitral and Gilgit in Pakistan's North West Frontier. Photograph: Declan Walsh

The supporters cross the mountains to reach the Shandur Pass, through vertiginous valleys and steep mountain gorges. For many it is the sporting highlight of the year. Photograph: Declan Walsh

The tournament dates back to the 1930s, when a British officer named Cobb formalised a centuries-old sporting rivalry. "The game of kings and the king of games," reads the sign at the entrance to Shandur. Photograph: Declan Walsh

Chitral is an island of peace in a province at war. In districts on every side - Dir, Swat and across the border in Afghanistan - Pakistani and western troops are battling the Taliban. Photograph: Declan Walsh

The festival wasn't just about polo. Spectators and security officials craned their necks to the sky as a paragliders descended towards the ground at the end of one game. Photograph: Declan Walsh

A Paraglider entertains the large crowd watching the annual polo match at Shandur Pass. Photograph: Declan Walsh

Riders battle for supremacy at the Shandur Polo Festival in Pakistan's North West Frontier province. At an altitude of over 12,000 feet Shandur is the world's highest polo ground. The local version of polo has no written rules and is played by farmers, soldiers, policemen and watchmen. Photograph: Declan Walsh

The final match between Gilgit and Chitral attracted hundreds of spectators from outside the area, ignoring threats of a Taliban attack on the game. But, in a break with tradition, no senior politicians from the provincial or federal governments attended, citing security. Photograph: Declan Walsh

The play is fierce, with riders clinging to their saddles as they duel for control of the ball, swinging light mallets that strike man and animal as often as the ball. Photograph: Declan Walsh

The final match was won 10-2 by Chitral. The captain, 52-year politician Sikander ul Mulk, pictured centre, was hoisted to the shoulders of ecstatic supporters who rushed the field, kissing and hugging the players. Photograph: Declan Walsh