Human Rights Watch has criticised the International Volleyball Federation’s (FIVB) claim that a “misunderstanding” with security personnel was the cause of female spectators being turned away from the World Tour leg in Kish Island in Iran, amid claims that women trying to enter were part of a "political stunt".

Female spectators were turned away from the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) World Tour leg in Kish Island today, despite Iranian authorities having promised to lift their ban on women attending matches for the duration of the tournament. 

English duo Jake Sheaf and Chris Gregory advanced to the main draw as the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) World Tour Open event on Kish Island began today.

Organisers of this month's International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) World Tour Open event in Iran have promised the world governing body that women will be allowed to attend, despite them still being banned from watching matches in the country.

Japan and hosts Qatar moved a step closer to qualifying for this Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro after both teams claimed quarter-final victories in extra-time at the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Under-23 Championships.

Qatar ensured that they topped Group A at the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) under-23 Championships as they saw off Syria 4-2 in an entertaining clash at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in Doha.

Hosts Qatar made it two wins out of two at the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Under-23 Championships in Doha after overcoming Iran 2-1 at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium.

Iran striker Amir Motahari scored one and set up the other as his nation got their Asian Football Confederation Under-23 Championships campaign off to a winning start by beating Syria 2-0 at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in Doha.

A ceremony has been held in Tehran to mark the 48th anniversary of legendary Iranian wrestler Gholamreza Takhti’s death.

Qatar’s men’s handball team will compete at the Olympic Games for the first time in their history after they secured their Rio 2016 berth with a 28-19 victory over Iran at the Asian qualification tournament in Doha.

Zahra Nemati and Majid Kakoosh have each claimed gold medals for Iran at the Asian Para Championships in Bangkok, securing places at Rio 2016.

Iran and Tunisia look set to sign an agreement to help develop Para-sports in both of the countries.

A beach volleyball World Tour open event in Iran will be the second stop on the International Volleyball Federation's (FIVB) calendar for 2016, it has been confirmed today, as the world governing body continues to strive to have a ban on women attending indoor matches in the Islamic Republic lifted.

World champions Australia brushed aside the challenge of Iran to win the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation (IWBF) Asian Oceania Zonal Championship at the Chiba Port Arena in Japan today.