TEHRAN – Iran’s men’s kabaddi team defeated Pakistan 43-16 on Monday in the 2022 Asian Games.

Team Melli are scheduled to face Malaysia and South Korea on Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively in Group B.

Iran’s women’s team will also start their campaign on Tuesday when they meet Nepal in Group B.

The top two teams from each group will advance to the semifinals, which will be the bronze medal matches.

Iran’s men’s and women’s team won their first ever gold medals in the previous edition held in Jakarta, Malaysia.

With more than 12,000 competitors from 45 nations and territories, the Asian Games has more participants than the Olympics.

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