A team sport played on horseback, originated in the Persian (Iran) empire before circa 1st Century CE. It was introduced in Ladakh in circa 15th century C.E under the influence of the kingdom of Baltistan and Gilgit through a balti princess who was the mother of the Ladakhi ruler Singge Namgyal. Since then this game has become an integral part of the Ladakhi culture. It has remained a much loved game, played during local sport competitions and on almost all festive occasions like Losar (Buddhist New Year) and Nowruz(Muslim New Year). Polo played in Ladakh is slightly different from the ones played according to the international rules. It is played on barren land and is much more furious than the actual game. It consists of six players in the each team. The traditional folk music instruments daman and surna are played with the players scoring a goal.