Polo at the Summer Olympics facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Polo at the Summer Olympics |
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Polo is a team sport played on horseback. Players use mallets to hit a small ball into the opposing team's goal. It's often called "the sport of kings" because it has been popular with royalty and wealthy people for a long time.
Polo was part of the Summer Olympics for the first time at the 1900 Games. It was played in four more Olympics after that. The last time polo was an official Olympic sport was at the 1936 Summer Olympics.
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Polo's Olympic Journey
Early Olympic Appearances
Polo made its debut at the Olympic Games in Paris, France, in 1900. It was an exciting addition, showing off the skill of both riders and horses. After its first appearance, polo returned for the Olympics in 1908, 1920, 1924, and finally in 1936.
Why Polo Left the Olympics
After the 1936 Games, polo was removed from the official Olympic program. Its popularity started to decline around the time of World War II. It became harder and more expensive for teams to travel and compete. This was because of the war and the many horses and equipment needed for the sport.
Polo's Return to Recognition
Even though it was no longer an official Olympic sport, polo still had many fans. In 1996, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) decided to officially recognize polo as a sport again. This meant that while it wasn't competing for medals, it was still seen as a sport that could be part of the Olympic family.
Polo was also accepted as a demonstration sport for the 2018 Summer Youth Olympics. A demonstration sport is played to show it off, but no medals are given. This was a chance for young polo players to experience the Olympic spirit.
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