The sport once patronised mostly by the rich or the Army, has become popular in schools these days and among civilians.
Born in Manipur, bred in Calcutta by the British in the 1800s, polo had migrated from the West Bengal capital to New Delhi 4 years ago. Reason? Economics. But this winter, polo has made a comeback in Kolkata, bringing a special cheer to celebrations in the festive season.
The venue - Pat Williamson ground, the oldest registered polo ground in the world. The host - the Indian Army. The teams - Army Service Corps (ASC)-Navy and 61st Cavalry - the world's only horse-borne regiment. The prize - The Army Commander's Cup.
Kolkata turned out in strength to watch the two top teams play off and welcome polo back to the city. Said Colonel Navin Khera, polo player for ASC, "There was a gap because the Calcutta Polo Club and the Fort William Polo Club had to combine and there were some issues. But good to see it come back."
Retired Col PP Singh, one of the organisers, said, "Polo headed off to Delhi because of infrastructure and sponsors. The main thing was sponsors. Now it is coming back to Kolkata."
On the plus side, the sport once patronised mostly by the rich or the Army, has become popular in schools these days and among civilians.
Said by Lt Col Ravi Rathor of 61st Cavalry, "What was supposed to be a rich man's game isn't so any more so. Clubs have opened in many places in the country. Many more are coming up. It is very good news for polo." Major Prithvi Singh Rathor of ASC added, "The sport is only to get bigger."
Though Kolkata clearly needs more sponsors and infrastructure, the Christmas season polo play off is perhaps a sign that the game and the city are on the right track.
The winner of the cup, for the day, was 61st Cavalry.