TEHRAN - The Iranian national beach handball team are set to make their debut in the Asian Beach Games with a thrilling encounter against the Philippines.

The sixth edition of the Asian Beach Games kicks off tomorrow on Tuesday in Sanya, China. This event, which was held biennially from 2008 until 2016, now returns with Sanya as its host city.

Iran’s beach delegation, competing under the banner of “Martyrs of  Dena,” will begin their campaign tomorrow, a day before the official opening of the games.

The Iranian national beach handball team, placed in Group A, will face the Philippines in their opening match. Notably, this will be the first-ever appearance for both teams in the Asian Beach Games.

Initially scheduled to play against India, Iran’s first opponent changed to the Philippines due to India’s withdrawal, which also expanded Group A to six teams.

• Group A: Iran, China, Bahrain, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka, Philippines
• Group B: Oman, Qatar, Pakistan, Jordan, Thailand, Bangladesh, Maldives, Mongolia

Iran’s Beach Handball Team’s Group Stage Schedule:

• Tuesday, April 21st, 2026: Iran vs. Philippines
• Friday, April 24th, 2026: Iran vs. Sri Lanka
• Sunday, April 26th, 2026: Iran vs. Hong Kong & Iran vs. Bahrain
• Monday, April 27th, 2026: Iran vs. China