00:00 In a significant stride for the ancient sport of Shofkan, Azerbaijan has become the birthplace
00:06 of its first ever international federation. The inaugural General Assembly marking this
00:11 historic event took place in Baku on Friday. Representatives from 19 countries gathered
00:17 at the Bion Equestrian Complex showcasing the wide appeal and international interest
00:22 in Shofkan, a sport renowned for its rich cultural heritage. Shofkan, often described
00:27 as the ancestor of polo, is a dynamic game that combines skills, strategy and athleticism.
00:33 It features two teams of five with two fullbacks and three forwards and the aim is simple,
00:38 score more goals than the opposing team using wooden mallets. The sport, which requires
00:43 remarkable horseman skills, was included in the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage
00:48 in 2013.
00:50 [Whoosh]
