The Chukka boot's history may not go as far back in time as the Oxford's or the Derby's, but it's just as compelling. As is often the case in men's fashion, the origins of the Chukka boot can be traced back to both the military and sport. The term 'chukka' comes from polo (the sport, not the famous brand). In polo, a chukka (or 'chukker') is a seven-minute period of play, and a polo match typically consists of four to eight chukkas/chukkers. In India the term 'chukkar'—which in Hindi means 'circle' or 'turn'—can roughly be translated into a 'casual stroll', which is fitting for a boot that can be considered the halfway point between more formal leather shoes and casual sneakers.
It's believed that the Chukka boot acquired its name because its similar appearance to the boot worn by polo players, the Jodhpur boot, which itself shares a resemblance to the Chelsea boot. But while Chukkas were identified with the sport of polo, the boots made specifically for polo are different enough in their design from chukkas that it's unlikely chukkas were ever worn to actually play polo. They were, however, worn by polo players after matches because of their comfort.