I'm hopeful about the boys: Akhmedov

CALCUTTA, MAY 24. ``I am glad and very hopeful about the boys who are training under me,'' was how the Uzbekistan coach, Islam Akhmedov, now preparing the Indian under-16 football team, preferred to sum up his feelings as the final preparatory camp for the Asian sub-junior (under-16) qualifiers concluded here at the SAI Eastern Centre on Wednesday. The coach, who had been with the boys for the last two months, said after the practice session that his wards have developed appreciably.

The most striking aspect is the physical improvement, he said. ``One can utilise all his talents today only when he is physically sound. Indians have a natural flair for skill and when it is matched with strength and stamina we can hope to reach a class,'' Akhmedov said.

After a short break, the squad (of 25 probables) is scheduled to assemble at Jamshedpur where the final workouts, including the selection of the final team of 18, will done before the qualifying tournament begins on June 20.

The qualifier has five teams - Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and host India - of which only one will make it to the main tournament which is scheduled to be played in Vietnam in September.

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Section  : Sport
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