TEHRAN – Iran’s men’s handball team were defeated against Japan 33-21 in the 2022 Asian Games underway in Hangzhou, China on Monday.

Iran had defeated Mongolia 50-16 in Group D at the Zhejiang Gongshang University Sports Centre on Sunday.

Team Melli are scheduled to meet Saudi Arabia on Wednesday.

The first two teams will make the main round, with the top two placed teams in each main round group progressing to the semi-finals.

Qatar are the defending champions, where they defeated Bahrain in the final match.

Iran has sent 289 male and female athletes to the Games in 34 sports events.