TEHRAN – Iran defeated Hong Kong 3-2 (22-25, 25-20, 25-17, 19-25, 15-8) in the 2023 AVC Challenge Cup opening match on Monday.

Opposite Ashofteh Mona led all scorers on the board with 27 points in the victory, with Soudabeh Bagherpour (15 points) and Mahsa Kadkhoda (14 points) supporting with double-digit markers. The Iran side imposed their height advantage, gaining much in their middle attacks and block

Meanwhile, opposite hitter To Wing Man charted a total of 19 points in defeat.

Team Melli will meet Chinese Taipei on Tuesday in Pool B.

The tournament has brought 11 Asian teams together in Gresik, Indonesia.

The 2023 Asian Women's Volleyball Challenge Cup is the fourth edition of the Asian Women's Volleyball Challenge Cup, an annual international volleyball tournament organized by the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) with Indonesian Volleyball Federation (PBVSI).

The tournament is being held in Tridharma Sports Hall, Gresik, East Java, Indonesia from June 18 to 25.