The Premadasa Riding School introduces cycle polo to Sri Lanka

THE Premadasa Riding School introduces Cycle Polo to Sri Lanka, which is a fast growing sport in the international arena. This game originated from Irish shores, the brain child of a certain Richard Mecredi this common man's version of the Sport of Kings quickly made its way to the British mainland and in 1987 to the United States. It was included in the 1908 London Olympic Games.

In India, it was initially utilized as a training measure for polo players during the off-season, but has since accumulated a significant following when the common person incorporated this game into his leisure activities.

Arising from elephant polo and horse polo, cycle polo was originally used by Maharajas' to keep fit during the off-season for horse polo.

The sport remains popular among many equestrian polo players in India; both as a means of conditioning and in order to practice team strategy.

The Premadasa Riding School has organized a couple of exhibition matches in Nuwara Eliya, which are in progress at present to bring more entertainment for holiday makers. These exhibition matches are played with experienced cycle polo players from India.

Further, two more exhibition matches will be organized in Colombo and Matara. The Colombo match will be played on 23rd April 2005 at Edward Henry Pedris grounds, Colombo 5 (next to the BRC grounds), at 4.30 p.m.

The other exhibition match in Matara will be organised together with Southern Motor Sports Club on 24th April 2005 at Uyanwatte Grounds, Matara at 4.30 p.m.

The Premadasa Riding School has decided to exhibit the above matches free of charge to the general public with a view of popularising cycle polo in Sri Lanka.