TEHRAN – Iran lost to Japan 17-13 in the final match of the 2024 Asian Age Group Championship on Saturday.

Earlier in the day, Kazakhstan finished in third place, beating China 7-4.

The Persians also secured their berth in the 2024 World Aquatics Men’s U18 Water Polo Championships, to be held in Argentina.

The Iranian team headed by Ali Pirouzkhah, defeated Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Kazakhstan and China in the tournament.

The 11th Asian Age Group Championships included four aquatic disciplines, namely swimming, diving, water polo, and artistic swimming.

The competition was held from Feb. 26 to March 9 at the New Clark City Aquatics Center in Capas, Tarlac, the Philippines.

More than 1,000 athletes from 25 countries competed at the tournament.