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.

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