In the “western” world, polo is associated with toffs and tycoons.
That is certainly not the case in northern Pakistan.
There, we witnessed a much “earthier”, less “regulated” kind of polo.
Its players – both human and equine – were highly skilled.
Their stamina was remarkable.
Arguably, the match’s conduct and spirit were closer to polo’s origins than would be any match played on 21st century “western” turf.
Khaplu’s polo ground has no turf…
Almost every substantial town in northern Pakistan has a polo ground; another of them is the world’s highest.
At “only” 2,600 metres above sea level, Khaplu’s polo ground still sits considerably higher than does Australia-proper’s highest peak.
More than one Asian nation/location has been credited as the place where polo allegedly “originated” – very many centuries ago – or where it was “first formalised” – in the 19th century.
Suffice for now that long before “polo as such” existed, its various ancestors were being played, very vigorously, in various, mostly very high-altitude Asian places.
Eventually, Pelican Yoga will show much more of how polo was played in Khaplu on 16 May, 2024.
(photo ©️ Doug Spencer. You can see the ball in the foreground, near bottom left corner of the image. One of the “pink shirts” has his stick raised high. He had hit the ball cleanly, before most other players knew where it was. This superb horseman rode a superb (grey) horse. Steed and rider both appeared to relish the contest’s every moment)