Polo is a sport in which the participants are mounted on horseback, and use a ‘mallet’ to propel the ball into the opponent’s goal.

It is estimated that the game originated in Persia (modern Iran) in the 6th century BC as a training game for cavalry units. Modern polo came from Manipur, India, which was a small Tibetan-Burmese kingdom. In fact the term polo comes from the word ‘pulu’ which means ball in that language.

The game was learned by British colonists from the locals, and in 1859 the first polo club was formed. Its popularity grew in the region and by 1870 was played extensively throughout India and Britain, spreading to Western Europe later.

The game was introduced into USA in 1876. and the first polo club was formed as the Westchester Polo Club. During 1886 the USA and Britain participated in International games.

Polo was introduced into Argentina at about the same time, and since the 1930’s this country has produced both world famous polo players and ponies, and now dominates the sport.

The sport is currently played actively in nearly 80 countries worldwide, but is only played professionally in a limited number of countries like Argentina, UK, Australia, Pakistan, India, USA, and Spain.

Learn the rules of the sport of Polo by visiting Basic Rules in the Equestrian Sport of Polo at www.sportpolo.com/Spectators/Rules_of_Polo.htm

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