July 22, 15:22

Iran Rises in FIBA World Rankings After Qualification Matches

The Iranian men's national basketball team has improved its standing in the latest FIBA world rankings, moving up two places to rank 26th globally. This occurred after the conclusion of the third window of the Asian qualifiers for the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup.

World Ranking Update

According to the updated data published by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), the United States maintains the leading position with 920.7 rating points. The top ten leaders include Germany, Serbia, France, Canada, Spain, Australia, Argentina, Brazil, and Lithuania.

Iran improved its ranking to 26th place, accumulating 455.7 rating points, and continues to hold fourth place in Asia, trailing Australia, Japan, and New Zealand. This growth resulted from Iran securing its spot in the next stage of the World Cup qualification. The Melli team achieved two consecutive victories against Syria in the second and third qualification windows, as well as winning an important match against Jordan.

In the upcoming qualification window, Iran will face a challenging schedule, playing against Australia, New Zealand, and the Philippines as part of the continued fight for a spot in the 2027 FIBA World Cup. The latest ranking reflects Iran's strong recent performances and strengthens its status among the leading basketball powers in Asia on the path to the World Cup.

www.tehrantimes.comJuly 19, 11:29

Iran secures narrow victory over Qatar at 2026 Asian Youth Handball Championship

In Tehran, the Iranian team managed to achieve a minimal victory over Qatar with a score of 26:25 in the 2026 Asian Youth Handball Championship, which took place on Sunday.

Iran's previous matches

Prior to this, Iran defeated Kuwait, lost to South Korea, and drew with the UAE in Group B.

Tournament schedule

According to the schedule, Iran will play a match against Japan on Monday. As for Group A, it includes China, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Taipei, and Hong Kong.

Championship details

The XIX Asian Youth Handball Championship is being held in the city of Chunchou, China, from July 15 to July 26, 2026. This tournament also serves as a qualifying round for the 2027 IHF Youth World Championship.

Historical achievements and organization

The Republic of Korea is the most decorated team overall, having won a total of 13 medals: three gold, seven silver, and three bronze. The host country, China, won its only championship title during the second edition in 1990, which was held in Tehran, Iran. The Asian Youth Handball Championship is an official competition organized by the Asian Handball Federation for national youth men's teams of Asia and is held every two years.

www.tehrantimes.comJuly 17, 12:55

Iran wins ninth men's sitting volleyball world championship title

The Iranian men's sitting volleyball team once again demonstrated its dominant position in the sport by defeating Bosnia and Herzegovina 3-1 in the final of the Sitting Volleyball World Championship in Hangzhou. This victory allowed Iran to win its ninth world title, breaking its own record.

World Championship Final

The final match took place on Friday in Hangzhou. Under the guidance of head coach Hadi Rezaei, the Iranian team secured a confident 3-1 victory (25-21, 25-20, 20-25, 25-16).

Achievements of the Iranian Team

This triumph further strengthens Iran's status as the most decorated team in the history of the World Championships. The Iranian squad, which included Meysam Hajbabai, Sadegh Bigdeli, Hamidreza Abbasi, Mehdi Babadi, Ali Akbari, Davoud Alipurian, Hossein Golestani, Masoud Emami, Mohammad Nemati, Jamal Nazari, Meysam Alipour, and Mortezah Mehrad, remained undefeated throughout the tournament.

Future Plans and Status

Thanks to Rezaei's leadership, Iran not only lifted the world cup but also secured a spot at the Los Angeles Paralympics in 2028. This latest success is yet another bright confirmation that Iran remains the undisputed leader in men's sitting volleyball.