Chennai: With an eye on continental
supremacy, the Indian eves will have to shrugg of some stiff
challenge from the word go in the 23rd FIBA Asia Women
Basketball Championship that begins here tomorrow.
After having qualified for Level-I with an all-win record
two years ago in Korea, the hosts are in an upbeat mood ahead
of the competition, but it would be a herculean task to gain a
podium finish.
Home advantage apart, India, ranked 41st in the world,
will also try to capitalise on the experience of captain
Geethu Anna Jose in their opening encounter against defending
champions Korea tomorrow.
In the second day of the high-profile event, the hosts
will take on another Asian giants Chinese Taipei, who are 21st
in the world rankings.
India will also face 17-time winners and world number
seven China, Japan (14th) and Thailand (37th) in the league
stage of the event that concludes on September 22.
While the Indians would look to retain their place in
Level-I, the top three finishers of the event would qualify
for the 2010 World Championship.
The top four finishers of the league stages will qualify
for the semifinals.
"We have bright chance of making the world group. We have
worked hard towards this goal with earnest. The team consists
of youth and experience and they could do miracle. The players
are highly motivated," India coach J B Singh said.
Meanwhile, Level-2 competition would run simultaneously,
in which six teams -- Lebanon, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Sri
Lanka, Malaysia and The Philippines will participate.
Indian team: Geethu Anna Jose (cap), Akanksha Singh,
Sonika Ohlan, Anitha Pauldurai, Pratima Singh, Harjeet Kaur,
Raspreet Sidhu, Kruthika Lakshman, Anju Lakra, Shiba Maggon,
Prashanti Singh, Kiranjit Kaur.
Head coach: J P Singh.
Asst coach: Dinesh Mitchell.
Bureau Report
First Published: Wednesday, September 16, 2009, 23:46
