Elephant Polo in Rajasthan, India
Elephant Polo Anyone? ~ A Billionaire’s Sport From Nepal to Rajasthan
By Noielle Thompson
Originating from Nepal, Elephant Polo is played in many Asian and south Asian countries including Sri Lanka, Rajasthan, India, and Thailand. Leave it to the enthusiasts to invent the ‘World Elephant Polo Association’. Two people ride each elephant, and you can steer via ‘manhouts’- whom they tell where to go in order to hit the ball. Tourists can even participate in a few runs at a few luxury hot spots.
Even though it has become illegal in Jaipur, Rajasthan, there is still an annual elephant polo tournament (it kicked off recently in Bangkok, Thailand).In these tournaments and ‘cups’, the welfare of the elephants is always put first (in case you were wondering). The game is also played at a slower pace, compared to the original horse polo, dubbed ‘The game of Kings’.
I’m not sure about participating, but I would love to see one of these games! Next up, Camel Polo in the Middle East!
-NT
Elephant Polo in Rajasthan, India
