BENGALURU: India have always had a tough time in the Asian Championship Division A, at senior or age-group levels. Thus, the nation has constantly tried to qualify for the top tier or at best, sustain in Division A.
On Saturday, the India U-16 team proved to be the strongest side in Division B. They defeated Malaysia 64-48 in the final to clinch Division A promotion here at the Sree Kanteerava Indoor Stadium. This time around, India’s climb had seemed difficult with Malaysia, Kazakhstan and Iran as challengers. But, having dismantled Iran in the group stage and Kazakhstan in the semifinals, the Indians gained confidence and dominated Malaysia in the final.
A satisfied Indian coach Zoran Visic said, “It’s always difficult when you play an international tournament without any experience. Malaysia were a tough opponent. But we didn’t expect such a beautiful game today (Saturday). They were under pressure a little bit and made some unusual mistakes. But finally, the result is most important.
It gives me immense satisfaction that I have been able to teach them what I wanted.” India, buoyed by the crowd support, started strongly against Malaysia. Centre Pushpa Senthil Kumar (8) and Vaishnavi Yadav (4) amassed 12 points between them as India led 15-3 in the first quarter. But a defiant Malaysia reduced the deficit to eight points as the first-half score read 32-24 in India’s favour. With Malaysia clawing their way back, India needed some individual brilliance. In came captain Sanjana Ramesh. Aided by Neha Karwa, he centre inspired the team to get past the final hurdle.
Since Visic’s arrival, India has progressed to Division A in the senior women’s Asia Cup tournament, while the U-16 team also earned promotion. In both tournaments, Visic and Anitha Paul Durai, the captain of the senior team and assistant coach of the U-16s played a crucial role. For the duo though, this progress doesn’t mean anything if they cannot sustain in the top tier.
“The real work begins now. At the age-group level, it’s difficult because you don’t know the next bunch of girls you will work with. That’s why we selected three U-15 girls and a U-14 girl keeping that in mind,” Visic said.
“No doubt, it will be very difficult to sustain in the top tier. But that should be our aim. Without being in Division A, Indian basketball will not develop.” Basketball Federation of India announced `20 lakh for the team on their successful campaign.
Division B
Final: India: 64 (Vaishnavi Yadav 14, Sanjana Ramesh 12, Pushpa Senthil Kumar 12, Sreekala Rani 10) bt Malaysia: 48 (Zi Wei Wong 14, Tricia Ng 10).
krishnendu@newindianexpress.com