Polo

Polo - including women's polo - returns to Iran:

"Today female polo players are not allowed to ride with men or compete against them. They have to wear strict Islamic clothing which some find a little tricky to control on horseback.

"'We're always worried about the headscarf and overcoat staying in the right position,' says Shella Ilkhanizadeh, adding that 'the game is so exciting that you forget all these problems'.

"She finds the headscarf and riding hat difficult: 'This kind of helmet is very hot and when I take it off it's full of water inside because you see how hot the weather is here'.

"Inconveniences aside, most women players feel it is a sign of progress that they can take part in sports competitions like this."