TEHRAN (Mehr News Agency) -- Australia gave Iran a bitter lesson in a world Group D preliminary in Lahore, Pakistan, Tuesday.

The world runner-up grabbed a 19-4 romp over Iran.

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

President of Iran's Polo Federation said the country's team has 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.