Polo in India

Polo in India holds a distinguished place in the annals of equestrian sport, combining elements of ancient tradition, royal patronage, and modern revival. Often referred to as the “Sport of Kings,” polo’s origins in India are deeply rooted in antiquity, where it was played by warriors and royalty alike. The country is widely regarded as the birthplace of modern polo, having developed its rules and formats before the sport spread to the rest of the world through British influence.

Historical Background

The earliest form of polo, known as Sagol Kangjei, is believed to have originated in the northeastern state of Manipur, where it was played as early as the 1st century CE. The Manipuri version was a fast-paced and robust game played on small, agile ponies native to the region. Polo in ancient India was not merely a sport but also a form of military training, enhancing horsemanship and teamwork among cavalry units.
The Mughals, especially Emperor Akbar (reigned 1556–1605), were instrumental in popularising the sport across their empire. Polo became a symbol of prestige and martial skill, played in royal courts and military camps alike. Akbar himself established formalised polo grounds and codified some of the early rules, making it a celebrated sport among the nobility.

British Influence and the Modernisation of Polo

When the British officers stationed in India encountered polo in Manipur during the early 19th century, they adopted the game enthusiastically. The first polo club in the world, the Silchar Polo Club, was founded in 1859 by British tea planters in Assam. This marked the beginning of polo’s transition from a local pastime to an international sport.
Soon after, the Calcutta Polo Club was established in 1862 and remains the oldest surviving polo club globally. The British standardised the rules of the game, formalising team sizes, match durations, and scoring systems. From India, polo spread to England in 1869, and subsequently to Europe, the Americas, and other parts of the world, where it gained recognition as a sport of elegance and elite association.

Polo under Indian Royal Patronage

Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Indian royalty became the sport’s most prominent patrons. The Maharajas of Jaipur, Jodhpur, Patiala, and Hyderabad maintained private polo teams and stables of fine horses, often competing against British regiments and international teams.
The Jaipur team, led by Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II, gained worldwide acclaim by winning the Indian Polo Championship and representing India in tournaments abroad. Similarly, the Patiala and Jodhpur teams became known for their skill and sportsmanship. Royal families not only sponsored polo matches but also helped maintain polo grounds and breeding programmes for polo ponies, ensuring the sport’s survival through generations.

Organisation and Polo Federations in India

After India’s independence in 1947, polo faced a period of decline due to the loss of princely patronage and the disbanding of the cavalry regiments. However, the Indian Army played a pivotal role in reviving the sport. In 1957, the Indian Polo Association (IPA) was established to govern, promote, and regulate polo in the country. The IPA standardised national competitions, fostered youth participation, and ensured international representation.
The President’s Polo Cup, Indian Open Championship, and Army Commander’s Cup are among the most prestigious tournaments in India today. The IPA works in collaboration with the Indian Army and several civilian clubs to preserve polo’s legacy and expand its reach.

Polo Clubs and Centres of Activity

India boasts several historic and modern polo clubs that continue to uphold the tradition:

• Calcutta Polo Club (Kolkata) – The world’s oldest active polo club.
• Jaipur Polo Club (Rajasthan) – Known for hosting elite national and international tournaments.
• Delhi Polo Club – The centre of polo activity in India’s capital, often hosting international teams.
• Jodhpur and Patiala Clubs – Renowned for their royal heritage and breeding programmes.
• Imphal Polo Ground (Manipur) – The world’s oldest existing polo ground, where traditional Sagol Kangjei is still played.

These clubs serve not only as sporting venues but also as cultural institutions preserving India’s equestrian legacy.

Polo Ponies and Breeding Traditions

The Manipuri pony holds a special place in Indian polo history. Smaller and more resilient than standard polo ponies, these horses were once used in warfare and local competitions. Over time, imported breeds such as Thoroughbreds and Argentine ponies have become common in modern polo due to their speed and stamina. Nevertheless, efforts to preserve the Manipuri pony are ongoing, led by the Manipur Horse Riding and Polo Association and supported by state initiatives.

Women’s Polo and Contemporary Growth

In recent decades, women’s participation in polo has seen remarkable growth in India. The All India Women’s Polo Championship and other state-level tournaments have encouraged female riders to take up the sport professionally. Manipur, Rajasthan, and Delhi have produced several accomplished women players who have represented India internationally.
The rise of women’s polo has diversified the sport’s appeal and introduced new audiences to the game’s cultural and historical importance.

International Recognition and Modern Challenges

India continues to feature prominently in the international polo circuit, hosting visiting teams from Argentina, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Indian players also participate in global tournaments under the banner of the IPA. Despite its elite image, polo in India faces challenges such as high maintenance costs, limited sponsorship, and competition from more popular sports like cricket and football.
Efforts are being made to popularise polo among younger generations through school-level initiatives, equestrian academies, and youth leagues. Corporate sponsorships and tourism-driven polo events are also contributing to the sport’s financial sustainability.