Iran's Women's Ice Hockey Team Crowned Champions of Asia and Oceania

On Saturday, April 1st, the Iranian women's ice hockey team became champions of the Asia and Oceania championships by defeating the Philippines with a score of 4-0. According to ISNA, this is the first time the Iranian women's ice hockey team has achieved this championship title. Prior to the final, the team had defeated the United Arab Emirates, Kyrgyzstan, and India to secure the championship in their second appearance at these competitions. Last year, the Iranian women's ice hockey team finished as runners-up in Thailand. Unlike other countries participating in these competitions, women's ice hockey in Iran is relatively new, with the national team being formed less than four years ago. Last year, the team achieved second place under circumstances where, according to ISNA and Iranian national player Fatemeh Ismaili, the Ministry of Sports only covered travel expenses after their runner-up finish. Kaveh Sadeghi, the head of the Iranian Ice Hockey Association, stated that part of the expenses was covered by the players themselves, and 'Iran Mall' also took on some of the costs. The lack of support from the Ministry of Sports for certain sports, especially women's sports, is not a new issue in Iran and has faced criticism in the past.