TEHRAN – Iran’s men’s handball team defeated youth Russia 29-27 in the four-team Friendship Cup on Sunday.

The match was held at the Volleyball center "Dynamo" in Moscow.

Iran had lost to Belarus 29-28 in their first match on Friday but defeated Russia 29-26 a day later.

Iran participated in the tournament as part of preparation for the 2024 Asian Men's Handball Championship to be held in Manama, Bahrain from Jan. 11 to 25.

Iran are drawn in Group B along with South Korea, China, and New Zealand.