IR Iran primed to defend title

Having won last year’s inagural edition, standing in Iran’s way for back-to-back titles will be hosts Uzbekistan, Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan.

The tournament will be played on a round-robin format with Iran opening their campaign against Kyrgyz Republic later on Friday while Uzbekistan will meet Tajikistan.

Uzbekistan, who finished runners-up in 2022, play Kyrgyz Republic on Saturday with Iran facing Tajikistan in the earlier match.

Monday’s final round of ties will see Kyrgyz Republic playing Tajikistan and Uzbekistan squaring off against Uzbekistan.