TEHRAN – Iran’s men’s handball team were defeated by Belarus 29-28 in their first match in the four-team Friendship Cup.

The match was held at the Volleyball center "Dynamo" in Moscow.

Team Melli are to meet Russia and youth Russia on Saturday and Sunday respectively.  

Iran prepare for the 2024 Asian Men's Handball Championship to be held in Manama, Bahrain from Jan. 11 to 25.

Iran are drawn in Group B along with South Korea, China, and New Zealand.