SPORTS> China
Polo starting to break into a trot in China
By Lei Lei (China Daily Staff Writer)
Updated: 2008-10-15 09:54

Riders swinging hard, turning sharply and charging their mounts after a ball is a sight more familiar at English country clubs, an emir's stables or the grounds of a wealthy landowner in Argentina.

But now polo, a sport played on horseback by teams trying to score goals at either end of a 300-yard field, can be played in China.

A group of elite businessmen is promoting the sport among common people thousands of years after it was first played in China.

"The traditional idea of considering polo as a sport only for rich people is wrong," said Xia Yang, founder of the Beijing Sunny Time Polo Club, China's first in the modern era.

"Actually it is a sport that could be played by more common people with stable income."

The property entrepreneur first fell in love with horse riding a long time ago.

His interest in polo was sparked while watching footage of Prince Charles playing a match with the Sultan of Brunei in 1996.

"It struck me as really courageous and visually powerful. I thought it would be great if I could play it myself," he said.

Most of the club's players are former jockeys and stable boys, many from Inner Mongolia, Sichuan province and other parts of China famous for horsemanship.

Xia is now such an enthusiast he is determined to "spread polo culture" across China in the years to come.

His club now offers classes for 300 yuan ($44) and has organized an annual invitational match since 2004.

Sponsored by Jaguar (China) and hosted by Best Life magazine, the 2008 International Polo Friendly Match was hosted at his club last Sunday.

"Nowadays in China, there are some 30 people involved in polo and there are two or three such clubs in China," said Xia, whose club, about two hours' drive from Beijing, boasts more than 30 horses.

"I hope through my efforts, more people can join in this sport."

The basic equipment for polo, including whip, boots, and kneepads costs about 5,000 yuan ($732.6).

"It is not a sport that only could be played by rich," he said, despite the hefty initial layout. "If you like riding horses, just try it - it will bring you great fun."

Other players agree.

"Playing polo is very common in schools in Britain," said Liu Luwei, who obtained a Bachelor and Master's degree in Britain.

"I believe Chinese people could also do it if they are interested in it. It's not a sport for upper class people, but for all."

Originating in central Asia, polo was played in Persia, ancient Iran, and ancient China from the 6th century BC to the 1st century AD.

It was once hailed by China's Tang Dynasty (618-907) emperors.

"China has a long history of playing polo, although it declined after the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), when common people were not allowed to raise horses," Xia said. "Now, the Chinese economy is developing very fast and we hope to bring the sport back to its home."

Once an Olympic sport, polo is considered a "sport for gentleman" by Xia, who together with other fans is hoping to get it back into the Olympics.

"One of the main goals of promoting it is to bring it back to the Olympics," Xia, also executive director of the Polo Commission of the Chinese Equestrian Association, said.

"If polo could get the chance to appear at the Olympic Games again, my club members will be a strong reserve for the national team."