AGENCIES
Siliguri
Indian women’s team reached Siliguri on Saturday for the forthcoming SAFF Women’s Championship which kicks off on December 26.
India have been clubbed with Afghanistan and Bangladesh in Group B and the top two teams will advance to the semi-finals. Head coach Sajid Dar stated, "Girls are in proper shape and they're ready for the challenge."
Meanwhile, India climbed up to 54 in the recently released FIFA rankings and Dar dubbed it as a "motivational booster" before the SAFF Championship. "Indeed it's a great news before the SAFF Championship. It'll motivate the girls to prove their mettle ahead of the home crowd", Sajid commented.
Siliguri welcomed the girls with a pleasant weather, which is expected to remain soothing in the coming days during the championship. He mentioned, "Although we are approaching the championship as the defending champions, we can't be tagged as the favourite. Everyone will start afresh and so do we.
"There's always some advantages and disadvantages playing at home. Girls have come at the back of a rigorous preparatory camp and they'll surely show their worth in the ensuing Championship", Sajid added.
India are slated to play Afghanistan on December 27 followed by their final match of the round robin stage against Bangladesh on December 31.
