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The first recorded game of polo took place in Persia around 600 BC, but the game as we currently know it began around the middle of the 19th century. While modern polo is associated with the aristocracy, it was originally thought up by Indian tribesmen. Legend has it that traders and soldiers saw the Manipuri hillsmen playing and decided to have a go themselves. The name polo is in fact derived from the Indian word "pulu", the type of wood from which the ball was made.
In 1874 Hurlingham, just outside London, became the headquarters of the game. Though the sport's officiating body is located in Britain, these days it is played around the globe and Argentina is recognised as polo's beating heart. Since the end of World War II the South American nation has consistently set the standard in producing the best players and the best polo ponies. The popularity of the sport in Britain continues to grow, however, and there are now 30 clubs, with a total membership of over 1,200 players, dotted around the country.
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