🔸Asian Games 2026 in Japan, more than a week before the official opening ceremony, have begun with the start of competitions in some team sports, and the Iranian men’s basketball team lost in its first appearance against Qatar.

🔸Iran’s team on Thursday, 19 Shahrivar, lost to Qatar 59–53 in the first men’s basketball match in Nagoya. In Group B of these games, Iran is grouped with Qatar, Jordan, and Chinese Taipei.

🔸The Iranian basketball team will face Chinese Taipei in its second match on Saturday, 21 Shahrivar, and will play against Jordan one day later.

🔸The 20th edition of the Asian Games will be hosted by Aichi Province and the city of Nagoya. The official opening ceremony for these games will be held on September 19, 29 Shahrivar, but competitions in some disciplines have started from 19 Shahrivar.

🔸According to the final list of Iran’s National Olympic Committee, 305 Iranian athletes will be sent to the Aichi–Nagoya Asian Games. The entire Iranian delegation, including athletes, technical, medical, executive staff, and officials, has been announced as 522 people.