Hunza: North Elite FC defeated The Avengers FC 3-2 on penalty kicks to win the Hunza Premier League 2026, also known as HPL Season 15, after an exciting grand final watched by more than a thousand football fans in person and online.
The tournament was played at its regular venue, Baltit Polo Ground in Karimabad, Hunza. The final was also streamed live on Facebook, while regular match updates, results and announcements were shared on the league’s Facebook and Instagram pages.
The tournament brought together 20 teams from across Gilgit-Baltistan and once again showed the region’s strong passion for football. For many young players, HPL is more than a tournament. It is a chance to compete before large crowds, represent their communities and make a name for themselves on one of Hunza’s biggest football platforms.
North Elite FC reached the knockout stage after finishing second in Group B with seven points from four matches. Royal FC topped the group with 12 points. North Elite then continued its run through the knockout rounds and secured the title against an experienced Avengers FC side.
The Avengers FC were appearing in the HPL final for the fourth consecutive year. The club had won the league in 2023 and 2024, while Shanokushal FC, also known as SDF FC, lifted the trophy in 2025. Their latest run to the final underlined the team’s consistency, but North Elite FC held its nerve in the penalty shootout to claim the 2026 title.
As in previous seasons, the trophy and various shields were designed by Shafqat Karim of Hunzo-e-Hayan, a local wood craftsman from Karimabad. He has crafted HPL trophies since the first season, giving the tournament a distinctive local identity.
SWANS Youngsters claimed third place in Hunza Premier League 2026 after defeating Brong United FC 4-1 in the third-place match.Adeem scored twice for SWANS Youngsters, while Khaleeq and Sami added one goal each. Mueez scored the lone goal for Brong United.
Swans Youngsters had topped Group A with 10 points from four matches, winning three games and drawing one. Gilgit Futsal Arena finished second in the group. In Group B, Royal FC and North Elite FC progressed, while Baig Strikers FC and Brong United FC were the leading teams in Group D.
Support from sponsors helps grow the league
Hunza Premier League has developed into one of the best-known futsal tournaments in Gilgit-Baltistan. Its growth has been supported by a mix of local businesses, corporate organisations and public-sector institutions.
Sponsors and supporters of HPL Season 15 included Pizza Pamir, Khushbu Hotel, Mezban Hotel, Al Barakat Hotel, the Gilgit-Baltistan Sports Board, Special Communications Organization, Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation, branding partners Centangle Interactive, Digital Media partners Karakoram Today and other organizations.
Their support helps organisers arrange matches, improve event management and create a better experience for players and spectators. It also gives businesses and institutions a visible role in supporting youth, sport and community activity in Hunza.
Companies such as Centangle Interactive Pvt. Ltd. are also contributing resources through corporate social responsibility initiatives to strengthen the tournament’s branding and development, while supporting teams including Shanokushal FC. Such partnerships can help local clubs improve their identity, attract wider attention and sustain participation beyond a single season.
Growing need to improve Baltit Polo Ground
The Old Baltit Polo Ground has been central to the growth of the Hunza Premier League. The multipurpose facility, which has a dirt playing surface, has hosted the tournament as it developed into a major sporting event for the region.
However, the league’s growing audience and number of participating teams point to the need for further investment in the venue. A professional playing surface, spectator stands, floodlights for night matches and improved facilities for players and officials would help organisers deliver a safer and more professional tournament experience.
Better infrastructure could also allow Hunza to host more regional competitions, attract visiting teams and give local footballers a higher-quality space to train and compete.
More than a football tournament
The final was attended by the Director General Gilgit-Baltistan Scouts, representatives of Force Command Northern Areas, local stakeholders, civil-society leaders and a large number of spectators.
For Hunza and Gilgit-Baltistan, tournaments such as HPL provide a positive space for young people. They promote discipline, teamwork and healthy competition, while bringing together supporters from different valleys and districts.
North Elite FC’s victory marks another memorable chapter in Hunza football. The Avengers FC were also praised for their strong performance throughout HPL Season 15, while Swans Youngsters completed the podium after an impressive third-place finish.
