The king of games or game of kings? Polo has become increasingly popular over the years with games going on half of the year in the city By Naila Inayat
"Let other men play at other things. The game of kings is still the king of games." This ancient inscription on a stone tablet next to a polo ground in Gilgit, sums up the passion of polo players today. Other than the game''s eminence in the northern areas, Lahore has also developed into a hub of this sport. The Lahore Polo Club (LPC) organises various tournaments regularly every year; the 30 week long season is stretched from October to April. "The game has done well over the last eight years; there has been a lot of professionalism on part of the players as well as sponsors," tells Irfan Hyder, Secretary LPC, while looking on a beginners'' match on the sidelines of ''Wateen Low Goal Polo Cup 2008.'' On the contrary Khadija Mohsin Khosa, daughter of the famous polo player Mohsin Atta Khosa opines, "In a country which is so energetically driven towards commercial games such as cricket, where the old and the young alike have become addicted to it, a very small section of society knows of the game of Polo and an even smaller, plays it." Similarly Nasir Ahmed from Sawabi, a land lord involved in construction business says, "I have been following the game for thirty odd years. The sport gives a sense of thrill. But it never was and never can be a commonman''s activity because it is an
expensive sport. It''s a game of kings!" Mainly because it requires the possession of expensive
horses, their maintenance which is costly and also sometimes expensive memberships. No doubt with 500 horses moving back and forth along the turf it helps one understand how the horses can make or break your game
In fact it is often termed as the game of life and death. "Even though no one can deny the immense entertainment it provides to polo lovers, I would say it is definitely taken seriously as a sport. Also, many companies and groups heavily sponsor most games and tournaments. Families often form part of the spectators but this game in particular attracts the young crowd," says Khadija. One would not be surprised to see female polo players in the field. Irfan Hyder tells that for training the club has a separate riding school which serves as a nursery for youngsters, both girls and boys. He says that from March 17th-23rd, all women tournament will be held between national and international players.