TEHRAN – Iran’s women’s and men’s kabaddi teams emerged victorious against their opponents in the 2022 Asian Games on Tuesday.

The women’s team defeated Nepal 43-19 and will meet Bangladesh in Group B on Wednesday.

The men’s team also defeated Malaysia 53-23 in Group B. Team Melli started the campaign with a 43-16 win over Pakistan and are scheduled to face South Korea on Wednesday.

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.