Chovken is a dynamic team equestrian sport with deep historical roots and a striking resemblance to modern Polo — for good reason: Polo originally evolved from Chovken. While Polo spread globally, Chovken continued to thrive in various regions, developing its own distinct identity, rich traditions, and refined rules over time.
Played by two teams of four riders, the goal of the game is to drive a leather-inflated ball into the opponent’s goal using curved wooden mallets. A standard match consists of two 15-minute halves, offering fast-paced action and clear, instinctive gameplay that makes Chovken thrilling to watch and easy for new audiences to enjoy.
Chovken is more than just a sport — it’s a cultural legacy that combines speed, strategy, and spectacle in a uniquely captivating way.
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Chovken traces its origins back over 2,500 years to ancient Persia (modern-day Iran) and Azerbaijan, making it one of the world's oldest equestrian team sports. Archaeological evidence shows that early forms of the game were played in the territories of present-day Azerbaijan during the same period.
The sport flourished throughout the Caucasus region, with Azerbaijan becoming one of its most significant cultural centers. Historical records from the medieval period show that Azerbaijani rulers and nobility were avid players and patrons of Chovken, establishing dedicated playing grounds and organizing regular tournaments.
During the Safavid era (16th-18th centuries), Azerbaijani variations of Chovken gained distinct characteristics, with specific rules and ceremonial elements that differentiated it from Persian versions. Azerbaijani manuscripts and artwork from this period frequently depict Chovken matches, highlighting its deep cultural significance in the region.
In recognition of Azerbaijan's crucial role in preserving this ancient tradition, UNESCO inscribed Chovken/Chovgan as practiced in the Republic of Azerbaijan on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding in 2013. Today, Azerbaijan remains one of the primary centers for Chovken, actively promoting its heritage through national competitions and international cultural initiatives.
Chovken follows these fundamental rules:
Players must demonstrate exceptional horsemanship, as they control their mount with one hand while wielding the mallet with the other. Unlike modern polo, Chovken traditionally allows more physical contact between players, creating a more dynamic and intense sporting experience.
Chovken isn't merely a sport but a cultural institution that reflects the values and traditions of the societies that embraced it. In Persian culture, skill in Chovken was considered essential for princes and nobility, representing courage, strength, and refinement.
The game spread along ancient trade routes, with each region adapting it to local customs. In Azerbaijan, it became deeply intertwined with folk traditions and music, often played during important cultural festivals and ceremonies. Turkish variations incorporated elaborate costumes and pre-game rituals.
When British colonial officers encountered similar games in India in the 19th century, they formalized the rules, creating modern polo. While polo gained global popularity, Chovken continued its traditional development in Central Asia and the Caucasus, preserving its unique cultural characteristics.
Today, efforts are underway to revitalize Chovken through international competitions like the upcoming ICF European Championship in June 2025, bringing renewed attention to this ancient sporting tradition.