Great World Polo Blog

Now, THIS is interesting..

According to the BBC News, Iran has been holding its first international women's polo tournament this week, with teams from Britain and Australia taking on the hosts.

Following Iran's Islamic Revolution of 1979, women were barred from playing polo "in public" until last year. And this is the first time--according to the BBC--Iranian women have competed in an international tournament.

"The significance of today's game is to find out what level our country's polo is at and to progress; to see and learn from their playing," said player Haleh Amirebrahimi.

Polo competitions in Iran are limited to single-sex matches. And the women - including the visiting players - must observe Islamic traditions in clothing. The women players wear headscarves under their helmets and long jackets.

Seems like it would be hot to me, but the players say they don't mind.