Manama, Jan. 15 (BNA): The 17th Asian Men’s Handball Championship opened here today with the participation of 11 teams.

The event, to run until January 28, also serves as qualifier for the 2017 Men’s Handball World Championship in France.

Two matches in Group B preceded the opening ceremony, with the UAE beating China 21-17 and Saudi Arabia outplaying Iran 26-21.

Hosts, Bahrain, beat Lebanon 41-18.

Group ‘A’ comprises Qatar, South Korea, Oman, Japan and Syria, while Bahrain, Lebanon, China, Saudi Arabia, UAE and Iran are in Group ‘B’.

Qatar already qualified for France 2017 as World runners up. Four more teams will secure word Championship sports during the Asian Championship.

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BNA 2101 GMT 2016/01/15