TEHRAN (Mehr News Agency) – India handed Iran its third straight rout at the world polo preliminaries in Lahore, Pakistan, Thursday.

The Group D-bound Iran bit the dust and it was hammered 27-2 by the Indians.

On Tuesday, the world runner-up Australia demolished Iran with a 19-4 romp.

Iran was also battered 18-2 in its first meet with the home side Sunday.

President of Iran's Polo Federation said the country's team have participated in the event to gain experience.

Hamzeh Ilkhani added polo is a national game of Iran, expressing hope the country will join the world's favorites by new plans of the federation.

Iran has made debut in the world preliminaries after 25 years.

Australia, Pakistan, India, and Singapore are in Group D.

Iran meets India Thursday and plays Singapore Saturday.

Two top teams qualify for the world polo event in France in September 2004.