TEHRAN – Iran were edged by Saudi Arabia 26-25 in the 18th edition of Asian Men Junior Handball Championship in Group 2 Friday night.

Iran, who had defeated Oman 32-19, are scheduled to meet Japan in Group 2 on Sunday.

The 18th Asian Men’s Junior (U21) Handball Championship started on July 16 and will run until July 27, 2024 in Amman, Jordan.

 The championship serves as a qualifying event for the 25th IHF Men’s Junior (U21) Handball World Championship in Poland, slated for June/July 2025. The top four teams from this competition will secure qualification spots for the World Championship.

South Korea have won the most medals in the championship, totaling twelve, including three gold, six silver, and three bronze medals.