The Iranian men's handball team will travel to Serbia after completing three preparatory camps to play five friendly matches as part of the final technical assessment before the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan.
The Iranian men's handball team will travel to Serbia after completing three preparatory camps to play five friendly matches as part of the final technical assessment before the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan.
Iran is in one group at the Asian Games along with South Korea, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Kazakhstan. However, the team faces a serious challenge in Nagoya, as it is unlikely they will be able to access their players based abroad, forcing the young team to compete against some of Asia's strongest teams.
Hamid Sadeghi Shahneshin, a member of the coaching staff of the Iranian men's national handball team, stated that 'Team Melli' is preparing for a strong participation in the Games. He noted that since Nenad Klajić took over, the team has held two training camps, and a plan has been developed for the Asian Games in Nagoya, where players undergo intensive tactical, technical, and physical training. The head coach has better understood the players and their abilities.'
Sadeghi also emphasized the impact of the absence of players based abroad on the Asian Games. He explained that the team will participate in the Games with a young group because foreign players cannot join. Since the tournament is not part of the international calendar, clubs are not obliged to release their athletes. Currently, 23 young players are training under the head coach, and this number will decrease to 20 at the next camp.
Speaking about Iran's opponents in Nagoya, Sadeghi said that the team expects difficult matches against strong Asian teams. He added: 'We know our opponents well, and important games await us. All teams will arrive at full strength, while we cannot utilize our players based abroad, and our squad is built around young players. Bahrain, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, and South Korea are all strong teams and contenders. Given our current situation, it is difficult to make a definitive prediction regarding group qualification.'
He continued that the team intends to achieve a positive result and showcase quality handball. 'We are aiming for a medal and will put forth maximum effort in every training session and match. Nenad has implemented strong physical conditioning programs and focused on tactical and technical improvements. Winning a medal and reaching the podium is one of the federation's goals. We never enter competitions without ambition, although the youth of the team makes predictions difficult.'
Sadeghi confirmed that the Serbian camp will serve as an important test for the national team. 'After this camp, we will go to Serbia and play five friendly matches against club teams. Nenad Klajić has made the necessary arrangements, and these games will be a serious test for our players. We are currently working on visas and travel arrangements.'
He concluded that these matches will help the team better understand its players, identify strengths and weaknesses, and correct mistakes. 'We hope to successfully complete this overseas training camp.'
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Before the start of the first match of the greatest rugby rivalry, the Stormers team met the All Blacks Haka at the DHL Stadium in Cape Town on Friday evening. Stormers captain Rukah Nel initially planned to sing the national anthem with his teammates against the All Blacks, but decided to remain silent during the performance, fearing that emotions might take over in front of the home crowd in Cape Town.
Nel, who was one of the experienced players for Stormers in the 38-21 defeat, admitted that the atmosphere at the packed DHL Stadium on Friday evening was too intense to process. Meanwhile, his teammate Hajiva Daimani sang the Nkosi Sikilel’ iAfrika anthem with tears in his eyes.
For many Stormers players, including Nel and Daimani, this was likely their first and last chance to sing the rugby XV anthem at the opening of the Greatest Rugby Rivalry. The energy at the stadium was electric as fans gathered to watch the first DHL Stormers versus All Blacks match.
Nel shared his impressions, noting: 'It is truly special. I think not many guys have had the opportunity to sing the national anthem before a game.' He continued: 'Nevertheless, there is something special about listening to the New Zealand anthem before singing your own. You almost feel like you are part of something bigger. And then doing it in front of friends and family, at the full DHL stadium, is incredible.'
The Stormers players had a rare opportunity to perform the South African anthem before facing the All Blacks in the opening match of the Greatest Rugby Rivalry, and for many, it became one of the most memorable moments of the evening. Nel initially intended to join the singing, but the reality of the moment quickly changed his decision. He explained: 'I told myself I would sing, and then when the anthem started, I thought, 'No, I will stay silent, otherwise I will start crying.' '
He also noted: 'But it was incredible, just standing there. Vern (Matongo) was obviously standing next to me, who, as you said, was also just absorbing it. I am so happy for the guys that we could all experience it together. I am so happy that we could meet this occasion.'
Furthermore, Nel emphasized that encountering the Haka was something special, calling it 'an incredible experience that we were very lucky to be a part of.' During the 65 minutes of the match, Stormers fought against the All Blacks using all their strength until the time limit came into effect, after which the visitors took the victory by scoring three touchdowns in the last ten minutes.
However, the passion demonstrated by the Cape Town team should have pleased most of their supporters, and Nel stated that he is extremely proud of this fight. At the same time, his competitive spirit would like to see them capitalize on the opportunities they had to defeat the All Blacks.
