Garcia closes in on final selection for Wuhan
BENGALURU (2015 FIBA Asia Women’s Championship) – India head coach Francisco Garcia is edging ever closer to his final selection for the FIBA Asia Women’s Championship in Wuhan later this month.
The Spaniard and the Basketball Federation of India selection committee have whittled down the previously 22-strong to just fifteen candidates as preparation plans are ramped up ahead of the forthcoming event.
"It is the best 15 in my opinion," declared Garcia.
"We have a good balance for every position.
"I didn’t have any trouble coaching and I am focused on working with the team," he added.
Coach Francisco Garcia shares a moment with the Final 15 of the Indian Senior Women's Team that going to... http://t.co/QUwwNc48IT
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Central to the prospects of success in China after returning from her recent maternity leave is veteran star Anitha Paul Durai.
She is also enthused by the way the team is coming together ahead of the final cull of three more candidates.
"I think we are developing a good understanding now," she explained with confidence.
"Our aim is to maintain our fifth position in FIBA Asia."
There was also huge pride and excitement for rising star and local favourite Bhandavya Hemmige Mahesha after the 17-year-old extended her stay with the senior team and moved to within touching distance of a debut at the FIBA Asia Women’s Championship.
"I have played in the youth (U16) and junior (U18) Indian teams, so it has been my long cherished dream to make it to the senior team as well," she revealed.
"I didn’t think this dream would come true so early."
The India candidate list for the FIBA Asia Women’s Championship: Poojamol Kochuparambu Subhashmon, Bhandavya Hemmige Mahesha. Apporva Muralinath, Stephy Nixon, Srividhya Venkataraman, Smruthi Radhakrishnan, Rajapriyadharshini Rajaganapathi, Jeena Palanilkumkalayil Skaria, Sitamani Tudu, Anjana P-G, Sruthi Menon, Anitha Paul Durai, Shireen Limaye, Barkha Sonkar, Kavita Akula.
FIBA
