Polo in Hong Kong: Tournament Hub of the Asia Pacific

Hong Kong punches well above its geographical weight in Asian polo. Despite being one of the world's most densely populated cities, it has developed a polo infrastructure that makes it the de facto tournament hub for the Asia Pacific region — drawing teams from mainland China, Southeast Asia, Australia, and beyond. For the polo-playing expat community, Hong Kong also offers a unique environment where high-quality polo is accessible year-round within a compact urban geography.

The State of Polo in Hong Kong

Polo in Hong Kong is governed by the **Hong Kong Polo Association (HKPA)**, which is affiliated with the FIP. The HKPA oversees handicapping, tournament sanction, club registration, and Hong Kong's international representations.

The polo community is relatively small in absolute numbers — perhaps 200 to 400 active players — but benefits from significant financial resources through the city's corporate and expatriate populations, and from institutional support through the established polo clubs.

Key Clubs

Hong Kong Polo Club (HKPC)

The Hong Kong Polo Club is the centre of polo in Hong Kong. Established in the 1920s, it operates from a facility in the New Territories providing outdoor grass fields, stabling for over 100 horses, and comprehensive club facilities.

HKPC offers:

The club's membership is a mix of long-established Hong Kong families, expatriate professionals from finance, law, and business, and a growing number of mainland Chinese members.

Clearwater Bay Polo Club

Clearwater Bay, located in the Sai Kung peninsula in the New Territories, offers a different polo environment — smaller, more intimate, and set against the dramatic coastline of southeast Kowloon. The club operates a smaller stable yard and playing programme, primarily serving the Sai Kung residential community.

Clearwater Bay is popular with intermediate players seeking a less formal environment than HKPC, and it contributes players to the broader Hong Kong competition circuit.

The Playing Season

Hong Kong's subtropical climate creates a year-round polo season, though conditions vary significantly:

The concentration of major tournaments in the October to March window means Hong Kong's polo calendar overlaps with the UK's winter season and New Zealand/Australian summer — facilitating the movement of players and horses between hemispheres.

Costs of Polo in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is expensive — comparable to the premium end of the UK or Japan:

The cost structure reflects Hong Kong's extreme land scarcity (all polo facilities are on premium real estate) and the general cost of living in one of the world's most expensive cities.

For an international cost comparison, see our [costs of polo](/costs) page.

Top Tournaments

Hong Kong International Polo Tournament

The flagship event in Hong Kong polo, typically held in December or January. The tournament attracts teams from across the Asia Pacific — mainland China, Singapore, Thailand, Australia, New Zealand — alongside established Hong Kong teams. Competition is at the mid-to-high goal level.

The Chairman's Cup

An annual HKPC tournament at the mid-goal level, one of the most competitive events on the local calendar.

The Saikung Cup

A Clearwater Bay Polo Club event, typically at low-to-mid goal level, with a more relaxed social atmosphere than the major HKPC events.

Asia Pacific Polo Championship

Hong Kong serves as a regular host for this FIP-sanctioned regional championship, which determines Asia Pacific representation at the FIP World Championship. The event brings together the strongest national teams from the region.

The Expat Community

The expatriate community is central to Hong Kong polo. The majority of active polo players are non-Hong Kong Chinese, drawn from the city's substantial population of British, Australian, American, South African, and European professionals.

This creates a polo environment with:

For newly arrived expats, polo provides both a sport and an immediate social network — one of its well-understood social functions in expatriate communities globally.

Mainland China Connections

Hong Kong's polo community has developed growing connections with mainland Chinese polo — particularly clubs in Guangzhou, Beijing, and Shanghai. Some HKPA members maintain dual affiliations with mainland clubs, and cross-border play has increased as polo's profile in mainland China has grown.

The political and regulatory complexities of cross-border equestrian movement (horses [crossing](/glossary/crossing) between Hong Kong and mainland China face specific quarantine and veterinary requirements) create some friction, but the sporting relationship is positive.

How to Get Started in Hong Kong

1. **Contact HKPC directly**: The club welcomes enquiries from expats and visitors interested in polo lessons or membership.

2. **Book a polo school session**: HKPC's polo school runs introductory days and beginner courses throughout the main season (October to April).

3. **Network through the expat community**: Polo is well-embedded in Hong Kong's British, Australian, and South African expat communities. LinkedIn and expat social groups can often provide warm introductions.

4. **Consider social membership first**: HKPC offers social membership allowing access to club facilities and observation of polo before committing to playing membership.

For international polo clubs, see our [polo clubs](/clubs) directory. For polo travel, see our [travel guide](/travel).

FAQs

Is English widely spoken at Hong Kong polo clubs?

Yes. English is the primary language of polo operations at HKPC and Clearwater Bay, reflecting the predominantly expatriate player community.

Can tourists play polo in Hong Kong?

Short-stay visitors can sometimes arrange polo lessons or guest chukkas through HKPC. Contact the club well in advance.

What is the [handicap](/glossary/handicap) level of Hong Kong polo?

The competitive field is primarily at low-to-mid goal level (4 to 10 goal teams). High-goal polo requires importing significant playing talent.

Is polo year-round in Hong Kong?

Outdoors, the main season is October to March. HKPC's indoor facilities allow year-round play, with reduced intensity in the summer typhoon season.

Can I ship my polo horse to Hong Kong?

Yes, with significant planning. Equine import to Hong Kong requires FEI Equine Health Certification and compliance with AFCD (Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department) requirements. Import logistics should be arranged 6 to 8 weeks in advance minimum.

Is Hong Kong polo a good place for beginners?

Yes, particularly for expats planning a multi-year posting in Hong Kong. The HKPC polo school is well-regarded and the club community is welcoming to newcomers.