Indian team leaves for Argentina

By Our Sports Reporter

NEW DELHI, MAY 6. Despite a tough draw and lack of exposure chief coach Satinder Walia was hopeful of a decent performance from the Indian hockey team which left for the fourth (under-21) women's World Cup to be held at Buenos Aires, Argentina, from May 14 to 26, on Sunday.

``It will be tough from the preliminary stage. We have been clubbed with defending champion Holland in a four-team group (from which two teams qualify for the quarterfinal stage). Even New Zealand is a good side but if the girls play well from the beginning we should progress to the knockout stage,'' said Walia, who was also in charge of the side which finished third in the Asia Cup (under-21) in Malaysia last year. The fourth side in India's group is USA.

Though the 18-member team, led by Mamta Kharb, had two camps including a seven-week long preparation at Patiala which concluded last month, the team may sorely miss exposure at the international level. After qualifying for the event in Malaysia the team prepared only through training in camps.

``The girls do not have any experience against the European sides. And due to lack of participation we will definitely be at disadvantage.

``Since we are reaching early we will have time to get used to the weather. The team will have a practice match as we are slated to play Canada on May 10. We will also try to get sides such as Chile and others for more matches,'' said Walia.

About the camp Walia said, ``we have practiced hard. We have selected six girls from the under-18 side which won the Asia Cup in Hong Kong in November. It is a promising lot which will form the nucleus of the senior side in the future.''

Adding further he said, ``we played matches against the boys (at Patiala). Our emphasis was on physical fitness and interaction between newcomers and those who have already represented the under-21 side. We worked hard on penalty corners for which Suman Bala and Pushpa Pradhan have trained hard.''

The side has got three promising players in - Rohtak's Mamta, who was adjudged the `best player' in the under-18 Asia Cup, forward Pakpi Devi and midfielder Agnecia Lugun, who have already represented the senior side as well.

Apart from Walia, P. Madhukaran (coach), Ms. Rupa Saini (manager) and Dr. Ashok Ahuja (doctor) will also accompany the 18-member side.

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