History of Polo in Timeline

Polo is a team ball game played on horseback, recognized as one of the world's oldest team sports. Originating in ancient Iran as Chovgan over 2,000 years ago, it served as cavalry training for Persian nobility. The game involves two teams of four mounted riders using mallets to hit a ball through the opposing team's goal. Matches, lasting one to two hours, are divided into periods called chukkas. Polo's historical roots and equestrian nature make it a culturally significant and enduring sport.

1900: Polo as an Olympic sport

In 1900, polo was featured as an Olympic sport, marking a significant moment in its history as it gained international recognition.

1901: Lord Curzon visits Imphal Polo Ground

In 1901, Lord Curzon, the Viceroy of India, visited the Imphal Polo Ground in Manipur State and measured the polo ground as 206 m × 101 m.

1902: Selangor Polo Club founded

In 1902, the Selangor Polo Club was founded and is known as the oldest polo club in modern Malaysia. Played by royalty, political and business elite.

1909: United States team defeats English team

In 1909, a United States polo team defeated an English team with ease, showcasing the shift towards a high-speed, long-passing style of play in the United States under the leadership of Harry Payne Whitney.

1913: Herbert's statement about Westchester Club formation

In a 1913 article, H. L. Herbert stated that they formed the Westchester Club after the "first" outdoor game was played on 13 May 1876, which contradicts the historical record of the club being established before the Jerome Park game.

1924: Argentina wins first Olympic gold medal

In the 1924 Olympic Games held in Paris, the Argentine polo team composed of Juan Miles, Enrique Padilla, Juan Nelson, Arturo Kenny, G. Brooke Naylor and A. Peña achieved the first gold medal in the nation's Olympic history.

1936: Argentina defends Olympic gold medal

At the 1936 Berlin Games, the Argentinian polo team, with players Manuel Andrada, Andrés Gazzotti, Roberto Cavanagh, Luis Duggan, Juan Nelson, Diego Cavanagh, and Enrique Alberdi, defended their Olympic gold medal in Polo.

1936: Polo as an Olympic sport

In 1936, polo was featured as an Olympic sport. Polo was defended in the Berlin Games with players Manuel Andrada, Andrés Gazzotti, Roberto Cavanagh, Luis Duggan, Juan Nelson, Diego Cavanagh, and Enrique Alberdi.

1939: End of polo as an Olympic sport

Polo's tenure as an Olympic sport ended in 1939.

1949: Hurlingham Polo Association Amalgamation

In 1949, the Hurlingham Polo Association amalgamated with the County Polo Association.

1998: Hobby horse polo devised

In 1998, Hobby horse polo was devised in south western Germany.

1998: International Olympic Committee recognizes Federation of International Polo

In 1998, the International Olympic Committee recognized polo as a sport with a bona fide international governing body, the Federation of International Polo.

2002: Erster Kurfürstlich-Kurpfälzisch Polo-Club founded

In 2002, the Erster Kurfürstlich-Kurpfälzisch Polo-Club in Mannheim was founded to organise matches and promote hobby horse polo.

2004: Beijing Sunny Time Polo Club Founded

In 2004, Xia Yang founded the Beijing Sunny Time Polo Club in China.

2005: Nine Dragons Hill Polo Club Founded

In 2005, the Nine Dragons Hill Polo Club was founded in Shanghai.

2007: Polo at the 2007 Southeast Asian Games

Polo was played at the 2007 Southeast Asian Games, with the Malaysian team winning the gold medal, Singapore taking silver, and Thailand receiving bronze.

2016: Launch of the World Champions Polo League

In 2016, the World Champions Polo League was launched in Jaipur, introducing a new version of polo similar to the Twenty20 format of cricket, with a smaller pitch to accommodate a larger audience.