The India U-16 Women’s National Team clash swords against the Philippines in their opening match of the 2017 AFC U-16 Women’s Championship Qualifiers in Wei Fang, China tomorrow (August 28, 2016) at the Shangdong Taishan Stadium in Wei Fang. The kick-off is scheduled at IST 8:30AM.

Albeit touching Chinese shores on the eve of August 25, the Indian girls had their first practice session today. The girls, all-eager to prove themselves on the pitch even if in practice, stayed attentive to the coach’s instruction.

“We know that Philippines is a good team and we have utmost respect for our opponents”, quipped Maymol Rocky, Head Coach of the Indian U-16 Women’s National Team on the sides of the practice session.

“They possess the necessary players that can hurt us on the pitch, if we lose focus and concentration.”

“In this age group, it is imperative to play with a composed mind, rather than going all out on the opponent”, Maymol adds.

The current iteration of the Indian U-16 National Team has six forwards and against Philippines, and according to Maymol, “Philippines’s defence will be a litmus test for our attackers.”

“Philippines are always compact at the back and that is something our attackers have to get through. It will be hard, but at the same time the goal remains to defeat them.”

Although the temperature in Wei Fang tends to rise in the day, followed by cool evening and breezy nights, Maymol believes that, “it will have little effect.”

“The girls are already well-versed in playing in soaring temperatures and the temperature in Wei Fang is less then what it is in most parts of India, so it is a welcomed sight.”

Meanwhile, defender Santi Murmu will be leading the Indian contingent tomorrow in hopes of starting the Indian girls’ qualifying campaign on a winning note.

“We have to give our best. It isn’t a matter of if we can or cannot. We have to go out there and perform to the best of our abilities”, informed Murmu.

Nodding to Murmu’s opinion, Vice-Captain Grace Lalrampari added, “Starting the qualifying campaign on a winning note will also give us confidence for the rest of the matches.”

“We are ready and raring to go”, she added.

(Report & Photo courtesy: AIFF Media)