Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei on Sunday night paid tribute to the Iranian basketball team for their victory in the 2013 FIBA Asia Championship.

Following is the text of the statement:

I thank basketball team since they made the Iranian people happy.

Iranian President Hassan Rohani has also congratulated the Iranians over winning the championship.

Iran won the 27th FIBA Asia Men's Basketball Championship by beating the Philippines on Sunday in Pasay City in Philippines.

The Iranian team defeated the Philippines 85-71 at the Mall of Asia Arena. Both the teams secured berths in the World Championships in Spain next year.

source: tehrantimes