Orphan Rights

SportsHussars, read an accountof the game in The Fieldmagazine while stationedat Aldershot and, with fellowofficers, organized the firstgame.Then known as “hockey onhorseback,” it was playedon a hastily-rolled HounslowHeath where a shortlist ofabout 10 rules was alsohastily assembled.But, it was John Watson(1856-1908), of the 13thHussars, who formulated thefirst real rules of the gamein India in the 1870s. Helater formed the celebratedFreebooters team who wonthe first Westchester Cupmatch in 1886. He was a keyplayer at the All Ireland PoloClub which was foundedin 1872 by Horace Rochfortof Clogrenane, CountyCarlow.The first polo clubin England wasMonmouthshire, foundedin 1872 by Captain Francis“Tip” Herbert (1845- 1922),of the 7th Lancers, at hisbrother’s estate at ClythaPark, near Abergavenny.Others, includingHurlingham, followedquickly.Handicaps were introducedby the USA in 1888 and byEngland and India in 1910.The first official match inArgentina took place on 3rdSeptember 1875. The gamehad been taken there byEnglish and Irish engineersand ranchers.In 1876, Lt Col ThomasSt.Quintin, of the 10thHussars, introduced thegame to Australia. He iscredited with being theFather of Australian Polo.Two of his brothers stayedon there as ranchersand helped the gameto develop. In the sameyear, polo was introducedto the USA by JamesGordon Bennett Juniorwho had seen the game atHurlingham during a visit toEngland. Today, more than77 countries play polo. Itwas an Olympic sport from1900 to 1939 and has nowbeen recognized again bythe International OlympicCommittee.‘Sport’ in the HadithThe term ‘sport’ is usedto denote the activitieswhich the Holy Prophet(Sallallâhu alaihi wasallam)encouraged, such asarchery, swimming, horseriding,etc. The reason forthis will be explained later.(a) Horse RidingAllah (Azza wa jall) says in26An Islamic Periodical Magazine - Issue No 18 June 2010