TEHRAN – Iran defeated Colombia 15-5 in the 2022 IBSA Goalball World Championships opening match on Friday.

Iran are drawn in Group D along with China, Lithuania, Ukraine, the U.S., Egypt, Mexico and Colombia.

The competition started on Dec. 7 in Matosinhos, Portugal and will run until Dec. 16.

This tournament is the first chance to lock up spots in the Paralympic Games Paris 2024, with the top two men’s and women’s teams earning their berths.