Iran names rivals for the 2026 Asian Women's Handball Championship
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Tehran Times
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Iran names rivals for the 2026 Asian Women's Handball Championship

The Iranian women's handball team has learned its opponents for the upcoming 21st Asian Women's Handball Championship. The tournament is scheduled to take place in Almaty, Kazakhstan, from November 23 to December 3, 2026.

According to the draw results, the Iranian team has been placed in Group A. Japan, China, Hong Kong, and Bangladesh will also participate in this group.

Group B will bring together teams such as South Korea, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, India, Australia, and the winner of the IFG Cup. Iran anticipates a challenging campaign, especially considering the presence of strong Asian teams like Japan and China, who aim to establish themselves on the continental stage.

South Korea, one of the most successful teams in the history of Asian women's handball, will lead Group B. Meanwhile, the host country, Kazakhstan, will strive to utilize the advantage of home ground.

This championship will unite leading teams from across Asia, providing Iranian women with an important opportunity to test their strength against strong regional rivals and demonstrate their progress in international handball.

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Iranian Men's Sitting Volleyball Team Reaches Final of 2026 Asian Para Games
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Iranian Men's Sitting Volleyball Team Reaches Final of 2026 Asian Para Games

The Iranian men's national sitting volleyball team has secured a spot in the final of the fifth Asian Para Games after defeating China in two consecutive sets, demonstrating dominant play.

Iran won against China with a score of 3–0, winning the sets with scores of 25–12, 25–9, and 25–17, which allowed them to advance to the gold medal match. In the other semi-final, Kazakhstan defeated Iraq with a score of 3–2, becoming the first team to reach the final.

In the men's sitting volleyball final, Iran will face Kazakhstan on Friday. The Iranian team aims to win another gold medal at the continental tournament.

Iran, which has already won gold in the four previous editions of the Asian Para Games, is considered one of the leading forces in Asian sitting volleyball.

Before the final, Iran's head coach Hadi Rezaei emphasized that his team should not underestimate Kazakhstan, warning that their opponents will enter the decisive match undefeated.

Rezaei attributed the victory over China to the effective execution of the team strategy. He stated: 'We took the match very seriously. By identifying China's weaknesses, we managed to take out their captain early in the game.'

The coach also noted his decision to give more opportunities to younger players during the match. Iran started the game with the main starting lineup and then introduced young athletes as the competition progressed.

Rezaei added: 'These young players are the main foundation of the national team's future.'

Looking ahead to the final, Rezaei stressed that Kazakhstan will fight with full determination and cautioned his players against complacency. He emphasized: 'Kazakhstan will give everything in the final and will have nothing to lose, so we must not underestimate them.'

Rezaei also commented on Kazakhstan's tense semi-final victory over Iraq, noting that the Iraqi team could have won if its players had believed more in their abilities.

Now Iran will focus on the Friday final, where Rezaei's team will strive to maintain its streak of success in the tournament and secure another Asian Para Games gold medal.

Iranian Sitting Volleyball Team Aims for Fifth Consecutive Gold Medal at Asian Para Games
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Iranian Sitting Volleyball Team Aims for Fifth Consecutive Gold Medal at Asian Para Games

The Iranian men's sitting volleyball team is preparing for the upcoming Asian Para Games in Nagoya with a clear goal: to continue its outstanding dominance and win its fifth consecutive gold medal at the continental multi-sport event.

Thanks to an impressive track record, a roster that includes some of the world's most famous sitting volleyball stars, and a rich tradition of victories, Iran is once again one of the main contenders for the title.

The Iranian team has scheduled matches against Thailand on October 20th and Kazakhstan on October 21st; both games will play a crucial role in determining the team's progression in the tournament. These opening matches will serve as an early test of Iran's readiness, stability, and ability to handle the pressure associated with defending a long-standing championship title.

Iran's results in the four previous editions of the Asian Para Games speak volumes about the team's quality and consistency. By winning gold in each of the last four tournaments, the Iranian side has established itself as a powerhouse in men's sitting volleyball, setting a benchmark that rivals will strive to meet.

Winning one major championship requires talent, teamwork, and determination. However, maintaining such a level of excellence over four consecutive tournaments demands much more. Iran's sustained success reflects years of experience, a strong competitive culture, and the ability to deliver results when the stakes are high.

The task in Nagoya will be to turn this history into yet another title. Past achievements provide confidence, but they also create additional pressure, as every opponent will be motivated to interrupt Iran's winning streak. Therefore, the Iranian players will have to approach every match with concentration and discipline, viewing each contest as a new challenge rather than relying on their reputation.

A fifth consecutive gold medal will be another significant milestone for Iranian sitting volleyball, strengthening the country's position among leading Asian nations in para sports.

Iran's hopes are bolstered by the presence of recognized stars such as Morteza Mehrzad, Sadegh Bigdeli, and Meysam Alipour. Their experience and individual skills may prove valuable as the team attempts to navigate the tournament and maintain its place at the top of the podium.

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