Iran is not the first country many think of when it comes to rugby but, thanks to the work of some inspirational women, that is fast changing.
Nahid Biyarjomandi, Head of Women’s Development in Iran, has been working on the growth and development of the sport for women in her country with an understanding of the importance it offers.
As part of the celebrations for this year’s International Women’s Day, Asia Rugby spoke with Biyarjomandi to look at how Iran are developing rugby in Iran.
“In the past year, Iran Rugby has had Impressive success, which reflects the efforts of the entire Iranian rugby family, such as players, coaches, referees and all our colleagues in all provinces,” said Biyarjomandi.
“Those who love rugby and try to create a better quality of life through sport are working tirelessly.
“This year, the rugby development of Iran reached was third in Asia and fifth in the world and in the end, the Women’s Rugby Development Committee of Iran is in the running for the best development committee of Asia in 2018.”
With the numbers of participants taking part in Get Into Rugby activations in Iran and the success of its development, Biyarjomandi’s work has been endorsed by the Asia Rugby President Aga Hussan as there are now more coaches and referees than ever before.
“This year, like in recent years in Iran, we held a national championship for U15s, U18s and senior 7s and fifteens,” added Biyarjomandi.
“We are trying to find talent for the national teams for both men and women and we are proud to hold a 15-a-side women’s rugby national tournament with four new teams this year.
“And we are still continuing to introduce rugby through our development officers in most provinces of Iran.”
“Iranian girls are talented, and the sport, especially rugby with its values can empower their minds to follow their dreams on and off the field,” explained Biyarjomandi.
“And I’m sure that each of our girls can be a role model for their own country and other countries. All female tournaments in Iran are led by women, match officials, referees, coaches, assistant coaches and we also have female educators for domestic courses and female development committees for our GIR programs.
“We are all from a family called Rugby with the motto “Rugby building characters since 1823”.
