BENGALURU (India) - Anitha Pauldurai is very much looking forward to seeing how her Indian Railways would grow as the ball club participates in the FIBA Women's Basketball League Asia (WBL Asia) for the first time ever.
The veteran mentor knows how crucial international exposure is to any program, thus her excitement now that the most successful Indian women's team gets to test its mettle against some of the continent's finest.
"I'm really happy and even the girls are very excited. This is a good exposure for us," she offered.
It's actually the former India women's team veteran's first time coaching in a FIBA club competition, but her extensive experience in international hoops shall be of help for the Railways in the October 20-25 tilt.
Pauldurai, for the uninitiated, served the national squad for almost two decades, which saw her spearhead units not only in FIBA events such as the FIBA Women's Asia Cup but in other major Asian contests as well.
"I played for the leagues in Thailand and in China," recalled the 41-year-old, who's also coaching the youth teams. "But the players are getting for the first time an international league coming here so they are all excited."
Now, she gets to help the younger generation gain all the learnings they could absorb in a FIBA club meet, which she believes would be beneficial not only for the Railways but for the women's game in the country, too.
And to be doing this, indeed, is an honor for somebody who played a role so important in the club's success of dynastic proportions domestically, helping build a legacy highlighted by a whopping 41 championships.
"The league is most important to get an exposure, especially at a younger age," she said.
"Now, we are starting with this. And the good thing is, it's connected in India. And it's in Bangalore, and Bangalore is very connected to us. I hope they all enjoy it," added Pauldurai, as the games will be held in this city.
This is a good exposure for us.
Definitely, they're going to learn so much in their maiden WBL Asia campaign.
The Railways are situated in Group B together with the Denso Iris of Japan and the Cheongju KB Stars of Korea, both of whom are touted as among the favorites given the said countries' track records in this tilt.
Pauldurai is aware of the challenges ahead in the Group Phase, but there's no pressure whatsoever as they're out to savor the entire experience.
"It's the first time that we will be representing the Indian Railways in an international competition. We're not thinking about who we're up against, if it's Japan or China or Korea. We'll just play our own strategy," she said.
"And we are going to enjoy playing the games," she added, smiling.
FIBA