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Marwa Awad

Polo Is Sport Of Kings: A Royal Sport with a Rich History

Updated: May 10, 2023


Polo Is Sport Of Kings
[خمخ ؤشفذا

Polo is an ancient equestrian sport that is played by two teams, each with four players mounted on horses. The objective of the game is to score points by driving a small, hard ball into the opposing team's goal using a long-handled mallet. Polo is widely regarded as one of the oldest team sports in recorded history, with evidence of the game dating back as far as the 6th century BCE. Polo is often referred to as the "sport of kings."


History of Polo

The origins of polo are steeped in legend, but most historians believe that the game was first played in Persia (modern-day Iran) around 2,500 years ago. The game was introduced to India in the 13th century by Muslim conquerors and soon became a popular pastime among the Indian nobility. During the British colonial era, polo was introduced to the West, and it quickly gained popularity among the British elite.

Today, polo is played around the world, with major tournaments held in Argentina, the United States, England, and other countries.


Polo Equipment

Polo is a sport that requires specialized equipment, including:

  • Mallets: Polo mallets are made of bamboo, rattan, or composite material and feature a long handle and a small, hard head. The mallets are used to strike the ball.

  • Polo balls: Polo balls are small, hard, and made of plastic or wood. They are typically white or brightly colored for visibility.

  • Horses: Polo horses are specially trained and bred for the sport. They must be agile, fast, and responsive to the rider's commands.

  • Protective gear: Polo players wear a helmet, boots, and kneepads for protection. Some players also wear protective vests.

Polo Rules

A polo match consists of four to six chukkers, or periods, each lasting seven and a half minutes. The objective of the game is to score as many goals as possible within the allotted time. The team with the most goals at the end of the match is declared the winner.

Each team consists of four players, and each player is assigned a specific position on the field. The positions are numbered one through four, with the number one player being the most forward and the number four player being the most defensive. Players must use their mallets to hit the ball through their opponents' goalposts to score a point.

The game is played on a field that is 300 yards long and 160 yards wide. The field is divided into halves by a center line, and each half is further divided into three sections known as "zones." The ball is put into play at the beginning of each chukker and after each goal by a "throw-in" at the center of the field. Each team has four players, and the game is played on a rectangular field that is 300 yards long and 160 yards wide.

  • The game is divided into six periods, or "chukkers," each lasting 7.5 minutes.

  • The objective of the game is to score points by hitting the ball into the opposing team's goal. The team with the most points at the end of the game wins.

  • Players must hit the ball with the narrow end of the mallet and must not touch the ball with their hands or feet.

  • Players are also not allowed to cross the center line of the field, and there are penalties for dangerous riding, fouls, and other infractions.

Today, polo is played in countries around the world, including United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Argentina, the United States, the United Kingdom, India, and Australia. The sport continues to attract players and spectators who appreciate its combination of athleticism, skill, and tradition.


In conclusion, polo is a sport with a rich history that has been played for thousands of years. With its fast-paced action, skilled horsemanship, and strategic play, polo continues to be a popular sport among players and spectators alike. Whether you are a seasoned player or a newcomer to the sport, there is no denying the excitement and thrill of a polo match.

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