Polo as Intangible Sporting Cultural Heritage in China: Historical Development, Contemporary Challenges, and Pathways for Sustainable Safeguarding

Abstract

Polo represents a distinctive form of intangible sporting cultural heritage rooted in Silk Road exchanges and preserved through traditional practices among Tajik communities on the Pamir Plateau. However, modernization has challenged its sustainability. Traditional polo faces declining participation, weakened intergenerational transmission, and the erosion of cultural practices, while modern competitive polo remains constrained by high costs and limited accessibility. These challenges threaten its cultural authenticity and social functions as living heritage. This article examines the historical development and contemporary challenges of polo and proposes a dual-track approach to sustainable safeguarding. It emphasizes protecting indigenous cultural practices while integrating modern polo with cultural tourism, education, and international cooperation. By balancing cultural preservation with contemporary innovation, the proposed framework aims to strengthen community participation, reinforce cultural identity, and promote sustainable heritage transmission. The findings offer practical insights into the revitalization of traditional sports within changing sociocultural contexts.