King's Cup Elephant Polo King's Cup Elephant Polo King's Cup Elephant Polo is an elephant polo event played three times a year in Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Nepal. The event is sponsored by Anantara Hotels, a brand owned by the Minor Hotel Group of Bangkok, Thailand. In each match, two teams compete. Each team consists of five humans and five elephants. There is no monetary prize. Sponsors have included Johnnie Walker, PwC, Peroni, and IBM. PETA claims that at least eight other corporate sponsors have ended their support of the event due to its allegedly inhumane nature. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals
War elephant into the 19th century. An elephant trainer, rider, or keeper is called a mahout. Mahouts were responsible for capturing and handling elephants. To accomplish this, they utilize metal chains and a specialized hook called an aṅkuśa or 'elephant goad'. According to Chanakya as recorded in the Arthashastra, first the mahout would have to get the elephant used to being led. The elephant would have learn how to raise its legs to help a rider climb on. Then the elephants were taught to run and maneuver around obstacles, and move in formation. These elephants would be fit to learn how to