AIFF Media Team
NEW DELHI: Defending champions India clash swords against Nepal in a Gold Medal clash in Women’s Football of the 12th South Asian Games at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong onFebruary 15, 2016
The kick-off is at IST 4pm.
Albeit the Indian Women finished second in the Group Stages with eight points out of a possible 12, courtesy of two goalless draws against Nepal and Maldives and thumping 5-0 and 5-1 wins over Sri Lanka and Bangladesh respectively, the ‘Women in Blue’ have been the best Team in the Championship by far, having dominated every fixture played.
However, come Monday, Nepal will pose a difficult challenge for the attacking force of the Indian Women as the Nepali Women are yet to concede a goal in the Championship, let alone be defeated.
Meanwhile, the Indian attack has scored 10 goals in four matches with an average of 2.5 goals per game.
Head Coach of the Indian Women’s Senior National Team Sajid Dar, fully aware of the challenge states: “The Team has to be on their toes throughout the match if they are to win the Gold Medal. It will be test of our focus and concentration for us as Nepal have a tendency of stretching their opponents to their limits. Although we respect them as opponents, we will play for a win and our goal is the Gold Medal.”
“We also have to take our chances against Nepal, the inability to do so can land us in trouble,” Dar added.
Wishes flew in from Guwahati wherein Men’s U-23 Head Coach Lee Johnson wished the Indian Women.
“We have been keenly following their matches. Our best wishes stay with them. Go out and do it. Give your best shot,” Johnson added.
The support staff of the Men’s Team, all in support, exclaimed: “Make us proud. Our best wishes always stay with you.”
Support also came in from the Players. Narayan Das who Captained India in the semifinal against Bangladesh congratulated the Indian Women for their display.
“Keep up the good show. Our best wishes stay with you. You have made us proud through your victories. Get the Gold,” he stated.
Sandesh Jhingan, Captain of India’s first match against Sri Lanka also sent in his wishes. “First of all, we need to thank them for their wishes. We are all playing for the same cause. I convey my wishes on behalf of all our Players. Our wishes will always be there,” Jhingan maintained.
“I also need to thank Bembem Devi for her contribution to Indian Football. She has been an inspiration to all of us,” Jhingan added.
Pritam Kotal, a regular Member of the Indian Senior Men’s squad there’s no reason why the Women can’t go on to win the Gold.
“Go girls. The victory against Bangladesh made a statement. Go and make the Nationl proud. Best wishes.”
Dar smiled. “Thanks for their wishes. We will try our best,” he nods.
“Nepal have some speedy forwards and that is one of their biggest strengths,” Defender Umapati Devi quipped. “They will look to catch us off guard with counter attacks as they had done in our last match,” she exclaimed.
The onus also lies on the Indian midfield to disrupt Nepal’s counter attacks and initiate their own. The legendary Bembem Devi agrees and opines: “They (Nepal) have got some good technical Players in their midfield. But we stay confident and will give it our all in the Finals.”
“It will be a proud moment for every Indian Player if we win the Gold Medal in front of our home crowd which has been stellar in supporting us throughout our South Asian Games campaign.”
“It does not matter if we have dominated in the Tournament so far. It now boils down to the Final,” Bembem concluded.
Shop
