Polo, often referred to as “The Sport of Kings,” is one of the oldest known team sports. Its origins date back as far as 6th century BC to Persians and other nomadic tribes. The modern game of polo, though, began in the 19th century in India.
Polo is a horseback mounted team sport. It is played professionally in 16 countries. It was an Olympic sport from 1900 to 1939 and has now been recognized again by the International Olympic Committee.
The game is played by two opposing teams with the objective of scoring goals by hitting a small hard ball with a long-handled wooden mallet through the opposing team’s goal. Each team has four riders, and the game usually lasts one to two hours, divided into periods called chukkas (or “chukkers”).
Polo requires both rider and horse to possess a unique combination of skills. The rider needs excellent riding skills, hand-eye coordination, quick reflexes, and strategic acumen. The horse, often called a “polo pony,” needs speed, agility, and endurance.
Polo is played professionally in several countries, including Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Dominican Republic, France, Germany, Iran, India, New Zealand, Mexico, Pakistan, Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Polo has several variants including beach polo, played in many countries between teams of three riders on a sand surface, and snow polo, played on compacted snow on flat ground or a frozen lake.
In conclusion, polo is a sport that combines physicality, horse riding skills, team spirit, and strategic thinking. It is a game that celebrates speed, skill, and the special bond between a rider and his horse.
