The game of kings

Published April 23, 2014
– Photo by Ahmed Kayani
– Photo by Ahmed Kayani
– Photo by Ahmed Kayani
– Photo by Ahmed Kayani
– Photo by Ahmed Kayani
– Photo by Ahmed Kayani
– Photo by Ahmed Kayani
– Photo by Ahmed Kayani
– Photo by Ahmed Kayani
– Photo by Ahmed Kayani
– Photo by Ahmed Kayani
– Photo by Ahmed Kayani

Polo is known to be the oldest team sport in history. It was first played in the Persian Empire (modern day Iran) from the 6th century BC to the 1st century AD.

From Persia, it was passed on to other parts of Asia including the Indian subcontinent and China, where it was very popular during the Tang Dynasty. Polo was at first a training game for cavalry units, usually the king's guard or other elite troops. It is known in the East as the 'Game of Kings'. The name polo is said to have been derived from the Tibetan word "pulu", meaning ball.

Here are some pictures from the Rawalpindi Polo Club, which is the second oldest polo club in the subcontinent and oldest in the country. Polo is being played in the same grounds since 1881. Since 1947, various civil, military and foreign teams have participated in tournaments organized by the club. The polo season starts from September till May each year, as part of the Pakistan Polo Association Calendar.

The players of this club have also represented Pakistan in International Tournaments.

Opinion

Editorial

Business concerns
Updated 26 Apr, 2024

Business concerns

There is no doubt that these issues are impeding a positive business clime, which is required to boost private investment and economic growth.
Musical chairs
26 Apr, 2024

Musical chairs

THE petitioners are quite helpless. Yet again, they are being expected to wait while the bench supposed to hear...
Global arms race
26 Apr, 2024

Global arms race

THE figure is staggering. According to the annual report of Sweden-based think tank Stockholm International Peace...
Digital growth
Updated 25 Apr, 2024

Digital growth

Democratising digital development will catalyse a rapid, if not immediate, improvement in human development indicators for the underserved segments of the Pakistani citizenry.
Nikah rights
25 Apr, 2024

Nikah rights

THE Supreme Court recently delivered a judgement championing the rights of women within a marriage. The ruling...
Campus crackdowns
25 Apr, 2024

Campus crackdowns

WHILE most Western governments have either been gladly facilitating Israel’s genocidal war in Gaza, or meekly...