The Hindu : Indian women psyched out by the Chinese

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Jun 19, 2003

Sport

Sport - Football

Indian women psyched out by the Chinese

KOLKATA JUNE 18. The Indian women's campaign in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) championship in Bangkok could have been better but for the fear factor against China, one of the crack teams in the continent.

India began its Group C league well, beating Uzbekistan 6-0, but was thrashed by China 0-12 in the next game.

And in the concluding group match against Vietnam, India lost by the odd goal in three in a close but well fought duel.

The Indian team returned home a couple of days ago, the pathetic display against the mighty Chinese still haunting it. Ms. Indrani Sarkar, the manager of the team and a star during her playing days, told The Hindu on Wednesday that the Indian players failed to get over the `fear factor' against China a day prior to the game.

"We tried to boost the morale of the team members the previous night but all proved in vain. This showed during the match itself with the Indian women proving too inadequate to counter the Chinese tactics,'' Indrani said. "Of course, China was superior compared to the Indian team but what disappointed the team management was the lack of fighting spirit among the Indian ladies. The team had the ability but failed to display it at the right moment.''

Indrani, however, had a word of praise for striker Sujata Kar, Rehana Khatun, Kh. Maichon Devi, K. Rebika Devi, goalkeeper W. Robita Devi and S. Ibeyaima Devi. "They all played their parts very well and showed plenty of spirit. The team also suffered owing to certain players who were in their late 20s. These players were too slow and failed to adapt to the prevailing standard. The federation should look for young blood rather than persist with these players,'' Indrani said.

"The next AFC championship is two years away and the federation should earnestly begin to build a team for the meet as early as possible,'' she said, and added, "a few camps before a tournament will not help build a strong side.''

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