For the first time in history, this fertile junction in the heart of the plains of the five rivers, strategically located on the route to Dehli, was given importance. While the people went about their lives in the protection of the newly built walled city; farmers tilled the fields and men of learning became Qazis and Naibs; the fierce warriors from the north passed their time playing polo. They were so keen about the game that they even played at night time, putting the ball on fire so they could see it. It is said that their playing field was the same place it is played today. It was here that the Mamluk King Qutbuddin Aibak’s horse fell down and he got killed while playing polo (r. 1206 to 1211 AD). After that the Muslim Turk, Persian and Afghan dynasties came and ruled India.
Subsequently came the Mughals. Prince Kamran, Akbar and Jehangir were especially fond of Lahore and Akbar and Jehangir liked playing polo.

It is said that Polo originated in Persia in 500 BC in the time of the Median dynasty. The warlike horsemen of the steppes loved this game, akin to, but more sophisticated than the savage game of buzkushi. From there it spread to Byzantine, all over Asia and to China around (618 to 907 AD) during the Tang dynasty, which was supposed to be the golden age of culture there. In China, even women played polo. It also spread in India, however, first and much earlier to the mountains of the North especially the area of Gilgit and Baltistan through natural kinship with the Afghans and Turks. Later the Muslims brought it to Northern India. As early as 300 AD the State of Manipuri had their own version of polo and polo clubs developed from there and Calcutta under the British. Jaipur in Rajasthan patronized the game in the early 20th century and made it popular all over the subcontinent.

However, Gilgit has an ancient history of polo. Indeed, the name polo is the Balti word for ball. Today the annual polo festival at Shandur in the lofty Himalayas is an internationally famous event and a sight to see. Off the beaten track no vehicles can go, so the horse is the regular means of transport in the interior of Gilgit. Thus, many people still ride horses here and they have kept alive their tradition of polo; even the poorer people play polo. Also, the jawans of the army and frontier units posted here promote the sport.

But in Lahore, now for over a millennium the sport has flourished in much the same place since it started. The Lahore Polo Club is the oldest club of Lahore and as a centre for playing polo, well in this respect it is the oldest club in the world. The main field is called Aibak Ground in memory of the ancient king. The standard of polo is very high — well, let’s say that the standard of the rest of the world is doing well. (Alas! We have to admit that the standard of Argentina is too good!) Many international teams visit and play tournements here, like Argentina, the US, France, Malaysia, England, Jordan, India, Iran, Australia, Brazil, Egypt, South Africa and others, Admission to watch the matches is free. The club has produced some great players like Brig. Husky Biag, Col. Sikku Baig. Brig. Hisam Effendi, Gen. Yusaf, the sons of the Nawab of Tank, Gen. Yousaf, Gen. Sher Ali of Pataudi, Brig. Gussy Haider.  And in the younger generation there is Podger Effendi (8 goal), his brother Vicki (8), Asif Yar Tiwana (8) and others.