Polo is truly a regal sport. Although no one knows for sure where exactly the sport originated, there is a lot of evidence that the sport evolved to a great extent in the regal palaces of Asia. Thousands of years ago, the horse was domesticated primarily in central Asia by tribesmen in the region. Ever since then, man and animal have teamed up together to engage in various activities including war and sport. With the use of cavalry in war by countries like China and India, the interest in this sport also gained prominence.
In modern times, the game was popularised by British officers engaging in the sport in pre-independent India. The first polo Club was formed in 1859 at Cachar in India. After India gained independence, the British officers returned to England taking the game with them, and spread it to the rest of the world.
The Rules
The objective of the game is not much different from that of football or hockey, and that is to strike the ball through goal posts. Each team consists of four players on their respective ponies.
The playing field is 300 by 160 yards and is the largest area for a sporting activity. Each match is played for about an hour and a half in short time slices called “chukkers” lasting for about 7 minutes each, after which the horses are changed. The game is supervised by 2 mounted umpires with the final say resting on a midfield referee.
Polo in Australia
Polo is played in the states of New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria and Western Australia. There are about fifty polo clubs spread out throughout Australia and each of them is affiliated to the respective State Polo Associations. The APC or Australian Polo Association is the chief governing body of Australian Polo. Delegates from each State Polo Association make up the APC.
The sport has a good fan following in the country with a lot of matches and competitions being conducted by various local and national clubs. People who would like to play the sport can receive training in the game through local clubs. Each club also has its own apparel, as contrasting clothing during matches is a mandatory rule.
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