The Hindu : Sport : Host India drawn in tough group

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Jul 24, 2006

Sport

Sport - Sports : General

Host India drawn in tough group

BANGALORE: India finds itself in a tough group in the Asian youth (under-21) netball championship, which gets underway at the Sree Kanteerava Indoor Stadium here on Monday.

India, which is in Group `B', finished fifth in the last edition in 2004, and is pooled with runner-up Sri Lanka, Singapore and Hong Kong,.

Mean while , the teams in Group `A' comprises defending champion Malaysia, Thailand and Maldives.

Admitting that it was a tough group, the Indian coach, Champa Wanamali Gunawardene said that she was confident that her team would fare well and make it to the semifinals.

"Our main worry is Sri Lanka and I am sure this squad has enough resources to beat them.

"Of course, Singapore and Hong Kong also offer a challenge and a win against Hong Kong in the opener should be a good start for us," said the coach.

But Hong Kong, which did not play in 2004 will not be a pushover.

The Hong Kong team, trained by an Australian coach, consists of a few Australian and English players.

The chief minister, H.D. Kumaraswamy, will inaugurate the championship.

India plays its matches on July 24 (Hong Kong), July 25 (Sri Lanka) and on July 26 (Singapore).

The schedule:

July 24: India vs. Hong Kong; July 25: Sri Lanka vs. India; Thailand vs. Maldives; Singapore vs. Hong Kong; July 26: Malaysia vs. Maldives; Singapore vs. India; July 27: Hong Kong vs. Sri Lanka; July 29: semifinals and July 30: final and matches for placings. — Special Correspondent