Polo team, 25th Cavalry (Frontier Force), Lahore, 1908 (c)

Photograph, India, Punjab, 1908 (c).

British and Indian soldiers have long loved the game of polo, said to be the oldest team sport in the world. However, it was not until the middle of the 19th century that Captain John Watson of the 13th Hussars created the first set of written rules.

Polo was played by all British and Indian Army cavalry regiments as it helped develop soldierly qualities such as leadership, horsemanship, initiative, endurance, esprit de corps, teamwork and independence. Polo matches were also great social occasions, especially during the British Raj.

From an album of 87 photographs associated with Lt F R Teesdale, 25th Cavalry (Frontier Force), Lahore Cantonment, 1902-1914.