Team Melli will play the UAE on Sunday in Group I.
Iran had defeated New Zealand and China and lost to South Korea and Japan in its previous matches.
The competition is taking place from January 11 to 25 in Manama and Isa Town in Bahrain, with 16 teams vying for the coveted crown of Asian champions.
The top four sides at the 2024 AHF Asian Men’s Handball Championship will seal a ticket to the 2025 IHF Men’s World Championship, while New Zealand will qualify if they finish fifth or higher in the competition.
MP/TSN
