The task is hard and conditions intimidating, but India’s Fed Cup team is preparing in right earnest in Astana, Kazakhstan, for the Asia Oceania group-1 women’s tennis event.
Acclimatising
“We have been training hard. The girls are getting used to the conditions and feeling sharper with each day,” said Vishaal Uppal, the team captain. It has been snowing in Kazakhstan and forecast is for a further spell of severe cold.
“For the next two days, the weather is going to be brutal. But, mostly we are indoors. So it is not that bad,” the captain said.
Having reached on Friday, the team has been acclimatising itself to the indoor playing conditions. “The hosts have treated us well. We have two more days of practice left and we will be ready come Thursday,” Uppal added.
The team of Ankita Raina, Karman Kaur Thandi, Prarthana Thombare, Mahak Jain and Riya Bhatia with Ankita Bhambri as coach and Anand Dubey as trainer will be keen to capitalise on the time on hand for the best possible preparation.
India has been clubbed with Thailand and host Kazakhstan, in a three-team group. The other group will have China, Korea, Indonesia and Pacific Oceania.
The group toppers, after the league phase, will face each other for a qualification berth to the World group-2 play off. The two teams among the seven that finish at the bottom will be relegated to group-2.
“I am happy with the preparation and team spirit so far,” said Vishaal, quite optimistic about the team’s chances of performing at its best.
