POLO -the forgotten sport

Polo is known for the inspiring relationship between humans and horses.This relationship between the animal and the human has helped polo evolve into the sport of kings.

The Origin Of the Game

Polo is one of the oldest team sport, although the exact origins of the game are unknown. It has been traditionally viewed as a socially exclusive sport. Polo was probably first played by nomadic warriors over two thousand years ago, but the first recorded tournament was in 600 B.C. It became a national sport in Persia. The Persians then spread the game throughout the eastern world and were later followed by Mughals conquerers of India who helped spread the game even further.

The Modern Game

Modern Polo originated in Manipur, In northeastern state of India. The silchar Polo Club was founded in 1859 by British Military Officers and tea planters, after lieutenant Joe Sherer saw the locals playing Polo and said, "We must learn the game!" From India, Polo spread as fast as its enthusiasts could travel, appearing in Malta in 1868, England in 1869, Ireland in 1870, Argentina in 1872 and Australia in 1874.

Fun Facts

Polo is a game that is near and dear to most of the people and if you aren't familiar with it yet, here are few fun facts about the game(why not?! Because everybody loves fun facts)

• The polo T-shirt we know today was invented in the 1920's by Lewis Lacey. Nobody expected it to become a fashion trend, but it quickly took off!

• It was the Emperor Akbar who was the first person to introduce a set of rules for the game.

• Polo was used for cavalry and military training during the 6th century.

• Alexander the Great who conquered the Persian empire was a keen Polo Player.

• Calcutta is actually home to the oldest Polo Club in the World.

• Prince Charles met his mistress during a Polo Match.

• Polo can only be played with the right hand because the game rules follow the same principles as driving along a road.