The Sport
Description and Rules
Polo is one of the oldest team sports in the world, combining horsemanship, precision, and strategy. Two teams of four players compete on a field measuring approximately 275 x 145 metres, attempting to score by hitting the ball into the opposing team's goal using a wooden mallet. A match consists of periods called chukkers, each lasting 7 minutes.
Key rules include the line of the ball, which determines the direction of play, and the right of way, which ensures player safety. The handicap system (from -2 to +10) allows for balanced matches between teams of different skill levels. Players change horses between chukkers, making polo a sport that also demands excellent partnership with the mount.
History of Polish Polo
The history of polo in Poland dates back to 1911, when the Potocki family, inspired by polo they discovered during their studies at the University of Oxford, founded the first polo club in Łańcut, making Poland one of the pioneers of this sport in Central Europe. After decades of hiatus, polo returned to Poland in 2002 thanks to Buksza Polo Club, founded by Paweł Olbrych, who revived the tradition of this sport.
In 2011, Warsaw Polo Club, owned by Tomasz Tokarczyk, celebrated the centenary of polo in Poland, during which the cup was presented by descendants of the Potocki family. The culmination of the development of Polish polo was hosting the European Championship in 2025 at Sowiniec Polo Club, confirming Poland's international position on the world polo map.
1911
The Potocki family founds the first polo club in Łańcut, marking the beginning of Polish polo history.
2002
Polo returns to Poland thanks to Buksza Club, which revives the tradition of this noble sport.
2011
Warsaw Polo Club celebrates the centenary of polo in Poland, highlighting the continuity and richness of the history.
2025
Poland hosts the European Polo Championship at Sowiniec, achieving success on the international stage.
