Why it matters:
The victory keeps Iran in contention for advancing past the preliminary round after an opening loss to Turkey. The Islamic Solidarity Games are one of the region’s major multisport events, drawing broad political and cultural attention across the Muslim world.
Catch up quick:
Game 1: Iran 28 – Turkey 36
Game 2: Iran 23 – Guinea 21
Upcoming: Iran – Maldives (Monday, 10:30 local time)
Zoom in:
The match turned tense in the final minutes when Setareh Rahmanian suffered an injury. Team officials did not immediately release further updates on her condition.
The big picture:
The Islamic Solidarity Games, hosted this year by Riyadh from November 12–20 (22–30 Aban), serve as a platform for expanding sporting cooperation among Muslim-majority nations.
Key points:
- Iran’s defense held strong in the final quarter to preserve the narrow lead.
- Iran is grouped with Turkey, Guinea, and the Maldives in Group A.
- After two games, Iran holds one win and one loss.
- The team faces the Maldives on Monday, in a match that will determine its standing in the group.
The squad:
Iran’s roster includes: Fatemeh Khalili, Arezoo Mohammadi, Mina Vatanparast, Sanaz Rajabi, Hanieh Karimi, Fatemeh Marikh, Hedieh Hafez, Setareh Rahmanian, Negar Zendeh-Boodi, Nastaran Goudarzi Farahani, Hadiseh Norouzi, Atiyeh Shahsavari, Arezoo Kiani-Ara, Bahar Izadgashb, Aseman Badavi, and Seyyedeh Leila Hosseini.
Coaching and support staff: Maryam Rezaeian (Manager), Nashmin Shafaeian and Seyyedeh Maryam Fakhri (Coaches), Akram Habib-lou (Physiotherapist), and Sheida Fallahi (Translator).
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