Indian think-tank optimistic

The fireworks in the women’s section is likely to be provided by Lee Kyun of Korea, Cindana of Indonesia, Japanese Yonekura and not to forget the world No. 2 Ra Kyu Min of Korea in the doubles fare.

But coach Uday Pawar was optimistic of the team clearing the first hurdle — the five-team group clashes — in order to reach the semi-final stage. With Aparna Popat, who is joining the rest of the team tomorrow, and teammates “raring to go” Pawar feels there is no cause for any real concern.

“We may not have the kind of depth the men’s team has. But we are reasonably well prepared to take take up the challenge,” he declared.

Men’s team coach Vimal Kumar feels the three-week camp in Bangalore was sufficient as that was precisely the time even the other teams took owing to the busy schedule of their players.

With four days of practice at the IG Stadium courts, the coaches felt that players were now in a better position to judge the deflection and flight of the shuttles. Indian men’s spearhead, Pullela Gopi Chand, admitted that the practice sessions at the Stadium has helped the team members immensely. “We know we have a crucial first tie against Japan but we are sure of overcoming it. We also know about the strengths of other teams in the fray. We are not taking anyone lightly and will take each of them on merit,” he said.

When told that National coach SM Arif was toying with the idea of using his services as the doubles player as well, the top-ranked Indian player said he was prepared for everything. “We can fill in the gaps whenever needed. That’s is our (team’s) real strength. But the coaches have different plans for different teams. All are under wraps for the moment,” he added with a smile.

The men’s team would be banking largely on the singles and Gopi Chand, Abhinn Shyam Gupta and Nikhil Kanitkar should fit the bill. But they all will have to beat the Chinese challenge, especially world champion Sun Jun. Support for him will also come from world No 6 Chen Hong, Xia Xuanze (world No 8) and Dong Jong (world No 10).

Even assuming the Indian singles team members overcome some of these problems, their doubles pairs will have to contend with the likes of Ha Te Kwon/ Kim Dong Moon and You Yong Soong/ Lee Dong Soo, the two best doubles combinations from Korea.

The big international feast should whet the appetite of the Indian fans, who will have a free gate. The championships, to be held in two sessions, will have the preliminary rounds on the first three days with the semi-final rounds beginning from February 16. The final is slated for February 20.