Polo in India - the Sport of Royals
Polo originated in the Western Himalayas, in the kingdoms of Baltistan and Gilgit. King Singge Namgyal, whose mother was a Balti princess, was impressed with the thrill of the sport and introduced it to the region of Ladakh in the 17th century. Each team consists of six players and the game is fast and furious in this rugged terrain. The excitement builds as goals are struck by both sides; each goal accompanied by a burst of songs and music from the surna and daman, traditional Ladakhi musical instruments.