Tehran: Iran's national basketball team secured the first medal at the Nagoya Asian Games, finishing third place after beating China to grab the bronze medal. The Iranian team withstood a late fightback on Sunday to beat China 79-70, an achievement for players after months of the US-Israeli-imposed war back home.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, the first quarter ended in favor of the Chinese team, but Iran prevailed in the second quarter, took charge in the third to lead 55-46, and set the stage for a decisive fourth quarter. Ultimately, the game ended with a 79-70 victory for Iran's national basketball team led by Sotiris Manolopoulos, after missing out on the gold medal following a defeat against South Korea.

This bronze medal is the first for the Iranian sports delegation at the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan.