Iranian young basketballers have been crowned Asian champions.
Iran’s junior basketball team claimed the title at the FIBA Asia Under-18 Championship following a 71-65 victory over Japan in the final of the competition held in the Iranian capital Tehran.
The Iranians, who had suffered a defeat at the hands of Japan in the pre-liminary round of the championship, staged an improved performance on Sunday and made up for that loss.
The hosts led the Japanese youth 23-18 at the end of the first quarter and went on to extend their advantage to 9 points at the intermission.
Iran dominated the second half as well and went on to secure a 71-65 victory over Japan to clinch their 3rd Asian championship title.
On Saturday, the Iranians had secured their spot in next year’s Under-19 World Championship in Egypt with a victory over South Korea in the semifinals.
Meanwhile, South Korea defeated Lebanon 86-63 in the 3rd-place playoff to settle for the bronze medal.
With the win, the South Koreans joined Iran and Japan in qualifying for next year’s Under-19 world championship.