How did polo reach England from India in the 19th century?

Polo reached England from India in the 19th century primarily through the British military stationed in the region. While the sport had declined in popularity across the Indian subcontinent by the early 1800s, it saw a significant revival after British East India Company cavalrymen observed the game played by Manipuri players in Silchar, Assam, in 1853.1

The sport’s transition to England was driven by colonial officers:

• Military Adoption: In 1866, a captain in the 10th Hussars stationed in India witnessed a match and promptly organized a team among his fellow officers. This led to informal matches between British cavalry units.1
• Introduction to England: By 1869, the sport had reached England, marked by a challenge match between the 10th Hussars and the 9th Lancers.1
• Growth and Popularity: Once introduced by the military, polo gained rapid traction in England. By 1875, matches at venues like Richmond Park and Hurlingham were drawing over 10,000 spectators, eventually spreading to universities and becoming a favored pastime among the nobility and royalty.1