Iran has been holding its first international all-women's
polo tournament this week, with teams from Britain and Australia
taking on the hosts.
Roxana Saberi,
BBC News, Tehran
Some of the players on the British and Australian polo teams
admit they felt a bit uncertain about visiting Iran at a time
when its disputed nuclear programme has been in the
international spotlight.
Louise Sandberg: Some of the kindest people we've ever
met
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But having spent a few days in the country, they have no
regrets about coming here.
They say it has been a good chance to move beyond the
politics in the region and create friendships through sport.
Louise Sandberg, from London, is one of the four British
players who kicked off the tournament with a match against Iran
at a riding club just outside Tehran.
"My perceptions were not probably all that positive because
of what you hear in the news," she said.
"But when we arrived, we've seen it's not at all true. It's a
beautiful country with some of the kindest people we've ever
met."
After arriving in Iran last week, the players visited the
country's central city of Isfahan - known for its cultural,
religious, and historical sites.
And while they are gaining new insights into Iran, the
Iranian women's team is also learning new lessons.
Ancient sport revival
Polo originated in ancient Persia.
But after Iran's Islamic Revolution of 1979, women here were
barred from playing it in public until last year.
England won the tournament, but it was a learning
experience for all
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This is the first time Iran's women's team is competing 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 players have been headscarves under their helmets and
also long jackets - a little hot, some say.
But Australia's captain Jacqueline Hooper said the clothing
was not too much of a hassle.
"I have to say they look very glamorous today, the English
players in their white," she said.
"The difference is that there is this scarf around the side
of the face and the back of the neck, and the polo shirt is
longer."
Britain beat the Iranian team 12-6, and went on to win the
tournament.
But the players say the score wasn't important.
As the Middle East fills the headlines with news of conflict
and war, they say they are just glad to play the game they love
and to learn from the experience.
