Founded in 1868, the Malta Polo Club is the second oldest club in the world behind the Calcutta Polo Club of India, founded only six years previously. However, Malta wins the European title as the oldest club and is even older than the famous Hurlingham Polo Association in England.

Polo was first introduced in Malta through the efforts of British Army officers stationed on the island and by officers who were either on their way to, or returning home from, India.

The Cavalry regiments, together with the officers in the Royal Navy’s Mediterranean fleet, were the first teams to play on the island.

One of the many famous past presidents of the Malta Polo Club was Prince Louis von Battenberg, who served in Malta in the Royal Navy. His son, Earl Mountbatten of Burma, was also a keen supporter of the sport and, later, also became president of the Malta Polo Club.

It was the Earl who introduced several Maltese players to the game of polo and personally taught the game to many who were interested in this novel sport. It was during this period that the Maltese Cats team was formed.

‘The Maltese Cats’ were a very strong team who regularly played against the Royal Navy and British Army teams, winning the Cawnpore Cup for seven consecutive seasons. The Cawnpore Cup is still, decades later, the most prestigious match – this year, it was won by Team Cono Sur in one of the most thrilling matches seen at the club this season.

Several members of the British royal family have played polo in Malta too, with Edward VIII – while he was still the Prince of Wales – the Duke of Edinburgh and Prince Charles among them. King Alfonso of Spain was also a famous player at the Malta Polo Club and, in 1928, presented the club with the King of Spain Cup, which is still played for annually.