TEHRAN – Iran’s women’s handball team lost to Chile 30-20 at the start of their President’s Cup Group II on Thursday.

Chile proved too strong for Team Melli and claimed their first win at Denmark/Norway/Sweden 2023. It also marked their second-ever World Championship victory, after previously beating only Australia in 2009.

Named the Player of the Match for the second time in a row, goalkeeper Madeleine Noelia Cortez Fuenzalida who stopped 63% of Iran's shots, with 10 saves out of 16 shots in the first 30 minutes and set the course for a big win.

In the second match of the President's Cup Group II Chile will try to remain victorious against Kazakhstan. Iran will clash with Congo in seek of their maiden win.