Date:28/07/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/07/28/stories/2007072862982300.htm

Sport - Basketball

India takes on Qatar in opener

New Delhi: India will face an uphill task when it takes on Asian Games silver medallist Qatar in the opening match of the FIBA Asian basketball championship in Tokushima, Japan, on Saturday.

Under Serbian coach Alensander Bucan, the Indian team has prepared well in its lengthy camp in Bangalore. India has been placed in Group C, also comprising Kazakhstan and Indonesia. The continental championship, which is also an Olympic qualifier, will be tough for the Indians, for whom the first target would be to qualify for the quarterfinals.

India has to secure at least a second position in its pool for a place in the last eight.

India’s best ever performance in the championship was a fourth place finish in 1983.

Altogether 16 teams, divided into four groups, are participating in the championships. — PTI