A traditional sport is gaining new recognition in Kashmir with a modern sporting spirit. Young players from Jammu and Kashmir are preparing to represent their region at the upcoming National Cycle Polo Championships.
Cycle Polo, also known as Bicycle Polo, is an exciting team sport that combines the skills of cycling with the strategies and techniques of traditional horse polo. Instead of horses, players use specially designed bicycles and control a ball with the help of a long-handled mallet. The objective of the game is to strike the ball with the mallet and send it into the opponent’s goalpost while maintaining balance on the bicycle. The sport requires physical fitness, concentration, teamwork, quick decision-making and excellent control over both the bicycle and the mallet. Played on grass fields or flat courts, Cycle Polo offers an interesting combination of physical ability and strategic skills.
The history of Cycle Polo dates back to 1891, when the sport was introduced in Ireland by cycling enthusiast Richard J. Mecredy. Over time, the sport gained popularity in different parts of the world, including the United Kingdom, France, the United States, Canada and several Asian countries. Its inclusion as a demonstration sport at the 1908 London Olympic Games brought it international recognition. The establishment of the International Bicycle Polo Federation in 1995 and the organisation of international championships further strengthened the sport’s global presence. In 2001, the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) also recognised the sport. Today, Cycle Polo is attracting players and sporting communities across different countries. Through organised competitions, players are getting opportunities to showcase their talent and compete at higher levels. The growing popularity of the sport is mainly due to its unique format, relatively accessible equipment and the combination of cycling endurance with ball-game techniques.
In Jammu and Kashmir, the development of Cycle Polo is receiving encouragement through the efforts of the Jammu and Kashmir Cycle Polo Association (JKCPA). The Association is working towards identifying young talent and providing players with opportunities to compete at district, Union Territory and national levels. Through selection trials, championships and coordination with sports authorities, the Association is contributing to the promotion of this relatively less popular sport in the region. Its efforts are particularly important in encouraging participation among both boys and girls and creating a competitive sporting environment beyond traditional games. The Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council is also playing an important role in supporting the sport and facilitating the screening and selection process of players for national-level competitions.
Kashmir has immense potential for the development of various sports, and Cycle Polo provides young people with an additional platform to develop their sporting abilities. The sport is particularly relevant because cycling is already a familiar activity among many youngsters, making it relatively easier to introduce them to this unique competitive sport. Cycle Polo promotes physical fitness, stamina, balance and coordination, while also developing teamwork and a healthy competitive spirit. It also provides girls with opportunities to participate in organised sports, develop self-confidence and pursue their goals beyond traditional sporting boundaries. In a region where engaging young people in constructive activities is important, the expansion of sports such as Cycle Polo can create positive opportunities, encourage healthy lifestyles and help nurture future athletes.
The recent selection exercise marks an encouraging step towards the development of Cycle Polo in Jammu and Kashmir. More than 80 boys and girls enthusiastically participated in the selection trials organised by the Jammu and Kashmir Cycle Polo Association at Botvi Chavni Play Field in Srinagar. The trials were conducted under the supervision of Shafqat Shafi, Manager, All Downtown Sports Fields, and renowned cyclist Mohammad Akbar Khan.
Following the selection trials and the subsequent selection process, the Association has shortlisted a total of 32 promising players across four categories—Junior Boys, Junior Girls, Senior Boys and Senior Girls. These include 16 boys and 16 girls. Providing equal representation to boys and girls is an important step towards promoting inclusive participation and equal opportunities in sports.
As part of the next stage, the Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council is scheduled to conduct the screening of the shortlisted players on November 6, 2026, at Bakshi Stadium, Srinagar. The objective of this screening process is to finalise the teams that will represent Jammu and Kashmir at the upcoming National Cycle Polo Championships. This selection process provides an important opportunity for the shortlisted players to demonstrate their talent and secure a place in the final teams.
The growing interest in Cycle Polo in Kashmir is not merely a development in the field of sports; it is also an opportunity to strengthen the region’s grassroots sporting culture. The participation of more than 80 youngsters in the selection trials and the shortlisting of 32 players indicate that the sport is gradually establishing its identity among the younger generation. Such initiatives can inspire more schools, clubs and local sporting organisations to introduce Cycle Polo and provide regular training facilities to aspiring players.
The participation of both boys and girls in this sport is particularly encouraging, as it reflects its potential to promote inclusivity, self-confidence and equal opportunities. Through institutional support, professional coaching, regular competitions and improved sports infrastructure, Kashmir can develop a strong foundation of Cycle Polo talent. This will help prepare players to perform better at national and, in the future, international levels.
Thus, the upcoming National Championships will prove to be an important milestone for both the selected players and the development of the sport in Jammu and Kashmir. The continued efforts of the Association, Sports Council, coaches and local sporting communities can help transform this growing interest into a sustainable sporting movement. With the right encouragement and opportunities, Cycle Polo can emerge as another promising sport in Kashmir’s sporting landscape, providing talented youngsters with a new platform to showcase their abilities and bring recognition to the region.
