King's Cup Elephant Polo Tournament

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed)
Apr 2nd 2008 at 8:02AM

We've seen polo in the snow before but perhaps the most unique type of polo match in the world is elephant polo. The 2008 King's Cup Elephant Polo Tournament is currently going on in Thailand. The event is sponsored by Audemars Piguet watchmakers and takes place on the grounds of the Anantara Resort Golden Triangle. This year seven teams from 15 countries are competing for the King's Cup trophy with a total of 28 elephants.

The opening match begun with a blessing ceremony and the animals were given a buffet of fruits and vegetables. The festive event raises money for the National Elephant Institute, which provides medical care and sustenance to Thailand's elephant population. It is estimated that Thailand has around 2,500 domesticated elephants and 1,500 wild elephants.

Tags: elephants, polo, thailand

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels, Events, Sports

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Jimmy Apr 3rd 2008 1:49AM

Wow, King's Cup Elephant Polo Tournament is currently going on in Thailand again! I think winning the Kings Cup must be a spectacular experience. And the fantastic Thai people, their food and culture, some the the world's finest exponents of (equine) polo! I have never joined the tournament, I just know this tournament just through a book named 'Frommer's Thailand': http://dealstudio.com/searchdeals.php?deal_id=94682&ru=279 , but I know it is a charitable event that raises money for the country's National Elephant Institute in Lampang, northern Thailand. And the Kings Cup becomes a must do event. Hopefully next year, I will enjoy the tournament in Thailand. Then I guess I will also enjoy a lot of delicious food! Huh!