TEHRAN – Iran were defeated against Uzbekistan 34-21 in the 1st AHF Asian Women’s U16 Handball Championship on Wednesday.

Iran, who had defeated Hong Kong 33-29 in their opening match and lost to Kazakhstan 38-33, will face China in Group A on Thursday.

The competition takes place in Almaty, Kazakhstan, from May 10 to 18.

The championship will also serve as the Asian qualification event for the 1st IHF Women’s U16 Handball World Championship, scheduled to be held from 15 to 24 Oct. 2026.

The top two teams will secure their qualification for the World Championship.