Polo, the ancient team competition typically played on horseback, is known as the “sport of kings.” However, the royal version for one annual event, now underway in Thailand, swaps the horse for the kingdom’s national symbol - the elephant.
Elephants Play Polo in Thailand Tournament
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An elephant competing for Citibank moves its trunk toward the goal line, 2014 King's Cup Elephant Polo Tournament in Samut Prakan province, on the outskirts of Bangkok, Aug. 28, 2014. (Steve Herman/VOA).
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A prayer ceremony opens the elephant polo match. Director Tim Boda is flanked by Thailand's last remaining Kru Ba Yai (elephant spirit men), 2014 King's Cup Elephant Polo Tournament in Samut Prakan province, on the outskirts of Bangkok, Aug. 28,
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A Thai dance troupe poses prior to the elephant polo match, 2014 King's Cup Elephant Polo Tournament in Samut Prakan province, on the outskirts of Bangkok, Aug. 28, 2014. (Steve Herman/VOA).
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Dancers performing to kick off the elephant polo match, 2014 King's Cup Elephant Polo Tournament in Samut Prakan province, on the outskirts of Bangkok, Aug. 28, 2014. (Steve Herman/VOA).