Iran defeated China 79-70 to claim the Asian Games men’s basketball bronze, prompting emotional celebrations and highlighting a draft exemption for medalists.
Iran beat China 79-70 in the men’s basketball bronze‑medal game at the Asian Games in Nagoya, Aichi, Japan on 20 September 2026. China led 31‑29 at halftime, but Iran surged ahead in the third quarter to lead 55‑46 and held the advantage to the final whistle.
Power forward Arsalan Kazemi, who was drafted by the NBA’s Washington Wizards in 2013, said he was "speechless" and described the pressure on the team as "out of this world" given the six‑month war affecting their families. Teammate Arman Zangeneh noted the difficulty of the two‑month schedule, living conditions and the significance of winning a medal, adding that a medal exempts players from mandatory military service.
Male athletes who win medals at the Asian Games are exempt from Iran’s two‑year conscription, a policy announced by former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in 2018 and previously limited to Olympic or world‑championship medallists, according to Tasnim news agency. The available reporting is limited to player statements and the draft‑exemption rule; further details were not provided.