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Polo in Iran - Interview with FIP Chairman
1 Sep 2014
“Iran Has Regained its Place as the Homeland of Polo,” Believes Richard T. Caleel.
In the early 1980s, to promote polo as an independent field both internationally and at the level of the Olympic Games, Argentina’s then Chairman of Polo Federation, Marcus Oranga suggested that the International Polo Federation be established and in 2012, Dr. Richard Thomas Caleel was appointed Chairman thereat.
Dr. Caleel was born into a family in which polo rooted back to a long time ago. He is a polo player himself, a member of the U.S. Polo Association and a permanent participant in any polo-related event all over the world. Dr. Caleel holds a management degree and is recognized as an outstanding economist whose administrative capabilities have enabled him to elevate polo through precise and smart planning.
On June 7, 2014, Dr. Caleel visited Tehran to watch the Ambassadors’ Cup in Iran, and after his departure, we strived to hold an interview with him to analyze Iran’s background in polo and his achievements during his stay here.
AVA Diplomatic’s Exclusive Interview with Dr. Richard Thomas Caleel, the Chairman of the International Polo Federation
Where does Polo root back to in the US? How did the United States become familiar with this sport?
In 1876, James Gordon Bennett organized the first polo match in the United States in New York. He was introduced to the sport in England.
How much do you believe polo can bring the communities together?
Polo, like all sports offer a common “non-political” forum for the development of good sportsmanship and cultural exchange which can promote better international relationships. This is demonstrated by such events as the Olympic Games, the FIFA Games and the Federation of International Polo’s international tournaments.
Based on the historical documents, polo originally roots back to ancient Iran. How can Iran regain its original position in the international community of polo in your opinion?
I believe that Iran has regained its position as the birthplace of the modern sport of polo. I am also under the impression that your Minister of Heritage and Culture is considering an application to UNESCO in this regard.
Did you meet with the chairman of Iran’s Polo Federation on your trip to Iran?
Yes, I met with Mr. Hamzeh Ilkhanizadeh, President of the Iran Polo Association. He and his son, Siamack Ilkhanizadeh were the hosts of the event. The organization of the event was excellent. The polo facilities and the horses were outstanding. The gracious hospitality and generosity of our hosts and with every individual that we met, was most gratifying.
What purposes did your trip to Iran seek to fulfill?
The purpose of my trip to Iran was to participate and support the 83rd FIP Ambassadors Cup Tournament and to bring together members of the international community to participate in an international sports event and cultural experience.
What was your most significant achievement?
My most significant achievement was to bring together a group of individuals from a number of countries to participate in an international sports event in Iran and to afford them the opportunity to enjoy the warm hospitality of the Iranian people and the great cultural history of Iran.
Which cities of Iran did you visit during your stay here?
Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz, and Persepolis.
Could you conduct any interaction with people here?
Yes. The entire group was actively involved in dinners, lunches and sightseeing together with many Iranian nationals.
Who of the Iranian officials did you manage to meet? What ends did the talks lead to?
I met with the Iranian Minister of Sport, the Mayor of Isfahan, and a member of the Ministry of Heritage and Culture. Everyone was in agreement that the sport of polo has a rich cultural history in Iran and that it is appropriate to have an international polo event in the country.
Are there any plans to hold a match between the polo teams of Iran and the US? Does the International Polo Federation of the US intend to invite Iran’s team?
The Federation of International Polo (FIP) is an international organization, not affiliated with any single nation. FIP represents 87 countries globally and is recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) as the “Worldwide Governing Body of Polo.” Iran is invited to participate in FIP International Tournaments, as are all members of FIP.
Should you want to describe Iran, as it is, for those Americans who are interested in visiting it, what specific features would you include?
I found the people of Iran to be exceptionally warm and hospitable. The opportunity to experience the rich history and culture of Iran was an exciting and educational experience. I look forward to visiting Iran again for its next international polo event.
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