Qatar have won the past five editions of the tournament with their last victory coming in 2019 when they did not drop a single set on their way to glory.

On that occasion, 12 teams competed in China with Qatar overcoming Oman in straight sets in the final.

This year’s tournament will see six nations participate in a round-robin format with the top two securing their place in the Men’s Beach Handball World Championships, due to be held from June 21 to 26 in Greece.

Qatar triumphed in 2011, 2013, 2015, 2017 and 2019, with Oman having to settle for second place on each occasion.

Oman, who won the inaugural event in 2004, will hope to go one better this time around, while Iran are also expected to be in contention for a top-two finish having claimed bronze in 2017 and 2019.

The tournament, set to run from tomorrow until March 28, also features India, the Philippines, Vietnam and hosts Iran.

It is the second time Iran have staged the event having played host in 2007 when they came second behind Pakistan.

The Men’s Asian Youth Beach Handball Championship was originally due to be held in Thailand's capital Bangkok last year but after being rescheduled twice because of the COVID-19 pandemic it was moved to Iran.

Tehran is also set to host the second edition of the Men’s Asian Youth Beach Handball Championship from tomorrow until March 28.

Thailand won the title when they staged the first-ever event in 2016 but they will not be in the Iranian capital to defend their crown.

Iran, Afghanistan, India, Jordan, Pakistan and Qatar are due to go head-to-head in the round-robin tournament with the top three securing their place in this year’s Men’s Youth Beach Handball World Championships in Greece.