TEHRAN – Iran’s men’s volleyball team extended dominance in Asia by winning the third consecutive gold medal in the Asian Games.

 Team Melli defeated hosts China 3-1 (19-25, 25-14, 25-22, 26-24) at the Linping Sports Centre Gymnasium on Tuesady.

It’s Iran’s first gold medal in the 2022 Asian Games underway in Hangzhou.

Iran had previously defeated Nepal 3-0, Bahrain 3-1, Thailand 3-0 and Qatar 3-0.

Earlier in the day, Japan defeated Qatar 3-1 to win the bronze medal.  

With more than 12,000 competitors from 45 nations and territories, the 2022 Asian Games has more participants than the Olympics.

Iran has sent 289 male and female athletes to the Games in 34 sports events.