TEHRAN – Iranian women’s and men’s kabaddi teams advanced to semifinals of the 2022 Asian Games on Wednesday.

The women’s team beat Bangladesh 54-16 in Group B. Team Melli had already defeated Nepal 43-19 in the group to win the group. They are scheduled to play second-placed team of Group A on Friday.

The men’s kabaddi team also defeated South Korea 64-23 in Group B.

They had previously defeated Pakistan 43-16 and Malaysia 53-23 in their previous matches and will play Group A’s second-placed team in the semifinals on Friday.

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.