Cycle polo is a popular team sport, much like regular polo, but which involves use of cycleable bikes rather than horses. It is played on an artificial turf, either indoors or out. There are two variants of this sport: hard court and grass. Both use the same type of courts and same rules; however, there are important differences in their style of play. Both styles of play use similar rules.
The team sport of cycle polo was made popular by the French fencing master, Antony Villas-Boas, in the late 19th century. He introduced the game to France and made it a popular recreation for people of all ages. In its early days, it was mainly a sporting event, with only a few people playing due to the scarcity of horseback riding equipment. However, over time, it has grown into a well-established competitive team sport.
The origins of cycle polo can be traced back to the Olympics of 1908
when it was known as “Cycle polo”. During these Olympics, it started to be known as “bicycling” because of the use of the bicycle in the game. The sport itself evolved during World War I, when soldiers would ride across the course, which was then known as the Course de la Bicoll”. Because the course was often muddy and slippery due to the low areas where the horse’s hooves hit the ground, this was a difficult and unsafe course for horse and rider.
The popularity of the game grew and in 1920 the Sportive Equestrian Federation (SEF) was formed. The first year it had only one registered player. The association now has several hundred members in various regions of France and is enjoying great success in its annual cycle polo events all over the country. The International Olympic Committee has recognized the sport as a “regional competition” and has awarded the event the prestigious silver medal. The National Federation of Professional Cycle Sports (NFCS) has also recognized it as a “regional competition” and provides financial and other support to encourage participation. It also provides technical support for the growth and development of the sport in the various regions.
In India, there are several prominent organizations that have been associated with international cycle polo matches. In the last few years, however, there has been a serious growth in the interest of people in the game. There are many associations in the state of Himachal Pradesh in India like the Bharatpur Sports Club (BPS), Sajjan Bedi’s Bicycle Polo Club (SBCC), and the Shimla Cycle Polo Association (SCPA). These associations have been helping the sport spread its wings and draw in more people to participate in the games. Some of these clubs have even offered scholarships to budding cyclists in the state.
Recently, the Indian Air Force has got involved in the cycle polo Association of India (ICAII). The chief of the Air Force sports division, Generalizers, told the media that the association would be a part of a new organization that will be formed alongside the IAF. The association has already been helping youngsters to improve on their skills and knowledge about the game.
The world cup which was organized in South Africa in the month of August of last year was an opportunity for the Indian contingent to showcase their skills in a show like exhibition sport. A number of other countries like Japan, China, and Netherlands also sent a team to the competition. While most of the players from India showcased their talents in their respective national teams, the presence of Germany and Italy in the same team was a positive sign for other nations in the subcontinent who were desperately looking to improve on their poor performances in the last century. This was the first time that India stood in a competition with such a big powerhouse like Germany and it was a good opportunity for the country to prove itself as a strong and successful nation.
This was just a friendly game and a display of skills by the players. The real test will come when the Indian team takes on the German or Italian team in a quarter-final or a final. This is where the IFI will make its presence felt and if the efforts are backed by the state, the IFI can give the Indian football club a run for their money and solidify their place in the IFI rankings. The IFI has a long way to go from what they have been through so far in their tournament run but their consistent showing and the growing popularity of football club in India can only be good news for Indian fans and players. With this latest development, more people can start taking a closer look at the IFI and their involvement in Indian sports.
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