JEDDAH, April 9: Pakistan will take on Iraq in the opening match of the handball event of the 1st Islamic Games at the GPYW Sports Hall on Sunday.

Pakistan are placed in Group ‘B along with Iraq, Palestine, and Iran. Kazakhstan, who were in the same group, have withdrawn their entry.

In all, 16 teams are taking part instead of 20. Besides Kazakhstan, other countries which are not participating are Libya, Uganda and Cameroon. Top two teams will qualify for the next round.

Pakistan will play the second match against Iran on April 12 and Palestine on April 13.

Pakistan’s Chinese coach Feng Lee had claimed his team had chances to finish at the victory stand.

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