The sepak takraw squad for the Asian Games was finalised here on Wednesday.
Six of the men’s players — G. Jiteshor Sharma, Viseyie Koso, Kh. Niken Singh, T. Gopen Singh, M. Nanao Singh and Sandeep Kumar — who took in the previous edition have found a place again.
At Guangzhou, India missed a bronze after losing narrowly to China.
The players have been involved in a two-year-long preparatory camp for the Incheon Games. Chief coach Hemraj said: “We are going to surprise many. This may sound as overconfidence, but we have worked really hard in preparing for the event.
“Thailand is the clear favourite, but the fact that we won five medals in the last world championships and two in the King’s Cup was a reminder of our growing potential.
“Players like the 18-year-old Y. Akash Singh are the rising stars who can outshine the best,” he said.
“We have the talent and the zeal to do well. This is the best-ever preparation we have had for the Asiad,” Hemraj said.
The Indian men have been clubbed with Korea, Thailand, and Japan, and the top two from each group will qualify for the semifinals.
There was a sigh of relief in the camp on Wednesday after the clearance from the Union Sports Ministry.
“We will give it our best shot,” said Sandeep Kumar, reflecting the mood among the players bound for Incheon.
The squad:
Men: G. Jiteshor Sharma, Viseyie Koso, Kh. Niken Singh, T. Gopen Singh, M. Nanao Singh, Sandeep Kumar, Lalit Kumar, Dheeraj, Th. Seitaram Singh, Y. Akash, W. Senjeck Singh, and Ng. Jotin Singh.
Women: O. Chaoba Devi, L. Thoinu Chanu, Keneileno Nakhro, O. Jimi Devi, A. Maipak Devi, Kh. Priya Devi, Bijata Chanu, P. Linthoingambi, Kh. Omita Devi, Dolly Srivastava, Manisha Kumari, and Ralla Navata.
