TEHRAN – Iran’s men’s wheelchair basketball team lost to Australia 53-51 in the 2024 IWBF Asia Oceania Zone (AOZ) Championships final on Saturday.

It was Iran’s second loss in the tournament, as Team Melli had previously lost to Australia 69-60 in the competition held in Bangkok, Thailand from Jan. 12 to 20.

Iran had defeated South Korea 67-48, Thailand 86-51, Japan 74-65, China 84-53, Afghanistan 81-41 and Japan 63-48.

Earlier in day, South Korea finished in third place, beating Japan.

Australia, as the winners of the men’s competition, qualified directly for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.

China’s women’s teal also booked their place in the Paralympics, defeating Japan in the final.