Chovgan

Chovgan is a traditional equestrian sport originating in Persia, with roots tracing back thousands of years. It is widely considered a precursor to modern polo and involves two teams of riders on horseback competing to score goals by hitting a ball into the opposing team's net using mallets.

The game is played on a large field, typically grass, with players equipped with long, flexible sticks. The objective is for a team to score more goals than their opponent within a set period of time. Players must demonstrate exceptional horsemanship, skill in handling the mallet, and strategic teamwork.

Chovgan has a rich cultural history and was once a popular pastime among royalty and nobility in Persia and surrounding regions. Its influence can be seen in various equestrian games across Asia and Europe. While its popularity has seen fluctuations throughout history, there have been efforts in recent times to revive and promote chovgan as a cultural heritage sport, with tournaments and events held in Iran and other countries. It is recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, highlighting its importance as a cultural tradition.