polo: Quick Facts

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The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

Sep. 27, 2026

Photos

Players on horseback compete in a polo match on a large grassy field, with trees and a building in the background.

An 18th-century court scene shows riders on horseback competing in a fast-paced game of polo, where players use long wooden mallets to strike a small ball across ground toward goal posts.

mural from the tomb of Li Xian

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Topics

Coronation Cup camel polo chukker Cup of the Americas cycle polo elephant polo indoor polo Westchester Cup horse polo pony Baseball American football football cricket rugby Basketball ice hockey horse racing Australian rules football Canadian football

Key People

Portrait of John Hay Whitney wearing glasses, a suit, and a tie, looking directly at the camera.

John Hay Whitney

American sportsman and businessman

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Memo Gracida

Mexican athlete

Hitchcock, Thomas, Jr.

Thomas Hitchcock, Jr.

American polo player

Assorted sports balls including a basketball, football, soccer ball, tennis ball, baseball and others.

American Sports Nicknames

Volleyball match

Sports Fun Facts Quiz

"Siyavush Plays Polo before Afrasiyab" folio 180v from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp by Abu'l Qasim Firdausi; painting attributed to Qasim ibn 'Ali, c. 1525-30 Tabriz, Iran. Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold on paper.

Quick Quiz: The Facts About Polo