Iran win Asian Games basketball bronze amid emotional scenes

Players celebrate podium finish that brings exemption from conscription, saying the pressure was ‘out of this world’.Published On 20 Sep 202620 Sep 2026Iran withstood a late fightback to beat China 79-70 and win the Asian Games men’s basketball bronze, an achievement that left their players “speechless” after months of war back home.China led 31-29 at half-time in Nagoya, but Iran took charge in the third quarter to lead 55-46 going into the fourth and held on to prompt wild celebrations and secure a place on the podium on Sunday.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4Asian Games: Opening ceremony offers respite amid mounting complaintslist 2 of 4India’s Mandhana breaks T20 record in Asian Games cricket semifinal winlist 3 of 4India star Sooryavanshi urged to be patient by coach Gambhirlist 4 of 4North Korea anthem played at South’s Bangladesh hockey match at Asian Gamesend of list“To be honest with you, I’m just speechless,” said 6ft 8in (203cm) power forward Arsalan Kazemi, who, in 2013, was the first Iranian to be drafted into the NBA by the Washington Wizards but never made a regular-season appearance.“The pressure that we had on us is just out of this world,” he added.“...