Game with the royal touch

Summer excitement

Adventure often hooks teenagers, and some get hooked for good. Some of those who have played cycle polo, vouch by its raciness and superb manoeuvring skills that one has to develop in the course of learning to play. This is surely hotter than wheeling, youngsters tell Preethi Nagaraj

Bicycle is undoubtedly the first two-wheeler for majority of Indians. What happens after you learn cycling? Some move on to different two wheelers and cars. But, take a detour and catch a glimpse of cycle polo, you will love its rush for life. And, it is little wonder that there are over 60 students training in it, every year in Mysore.

It was said to be among the royal games, reserved only for crème de la crème. But, today, cycle polo has turned into an exciting game for young boys and girls.

In order to popularize the game further, Karnataka Cycle Polo Association has been organising training camps lasting for about 30 days, to train young boys and girls who have learnt to ride a bicycle, and can balance fairly well.

“This training can be given to anyone, who fits into sports categories of junior, sub-junior and senior levels. This apart, men and women who want to learn this game, are most welcome,” says Dr Vijayalakshmi Patil, Hon General Secretary of Karnataka Cycle Polo Association.

Camp begins tomorrow

Training is usually held at the ground next to Coffee Board in Manasagangotri campus. This year the camp will be held between April 15 and May 13. This apart, one can see girls and boys honing their Polo skills in the mornings during weekends.

The Association which started its Mysore chapter in 2002, is affiliated to Cycle Polo Federation of India. Since 2006, the association has been organising state-level competitions and summer camps of short term coaching for children started from 2004. People who trained at this association have gone on to bring laurels at even national level. A team of six girls Priyanka, Neha, Namrata, Varsha, Nikita won third place in national polo championship held at Delhi.