TEHRAN – Iran took the first step firmly as it whitewashed Russia 3-0 in the World Under-23 Sitting Volleyball Championships in Brazil Sunday.

The Iranian side threw down the gauntlet for its next rival, Germany, with a 25-18, 25-19, 25-22 victory.

In other matches, Germany thrashed Kazakhstan 3-0 and Brazil celebrated a straight-sets win over the Polish team.

Bosnia has also participated in the world event.