TEHRAN – Iran defeated Pakistan 41-34 to win the title of the 2024 World Beach Kabaddi Championship Sunday night.

Team Melli had previously defeated Nepal, Turkmenistan, Denmark, Iraq and Kenya in the first edition of the event.

Iraq and Pakistan were awarded a joint bronze medal.

Iran, Nepal, Turkmenistan, Denmark, Pakistan, Palestine, Kenya, Germany and Lebanon competed in the first World Beach Kabaddi Championship, which was held in Bandar Anzali, Iran from Sept. 25 to 29.

Beach kabaddi is played in two 15-minute halves by two teams of four players who are not allowed to wear shoes.

 It is played at an international level in competitions such as the Asian Beach Games.