MCQ Detailed View

A standard polo team consists of 4 players on each side. This applies to most field polo formats played internationally, including those under the rules of the Hurlingham Polo Association and the United States Polo Association.

Polo is a fast-paced equestrian sport played on horseback where teams aim to score goals by hitting a ball with a long-handled mallet. Each of the four players in a polo team has a unique position and role that contributes to both offensive and defensive strategies.

Player positions in a polo team:

• Position 1: Primarily an attacking role, this player stays forward and tries to score goals.


• Position 2: A forward with strong offensive skills but also helps defend when necessary.


• Position 3: Often the most experienced player, responsible for setting up plays and controlling the flow of the game.


• Position 4: Primarily a defensive player, protecting the goal and stopping the opposing team’s advances.

Each match is played in periods called chukkas, usually lasting 7 minutes each. Depending on the level of the game, a match can have 4 to 8 chukkas. The horses used are specially trained for speed, endurance, and agility, and players often switch horses between chukkas to ensure peak performance and animal welfare.

Polo is played in over 90 countries, but it holds particular significance in countries like Argentina, the UK, the USA, Pakistan, and India. Historically, polo was known as the "sport of kings" due to its royal patronage and elite participation. Today, it continues to be admired for its mix of skill, strategy, and horsemanship.