Pak, China arrive, astro turf stadium comes alive

Chennai, Aug 27 (UNI) Tight security arrangements are being made at the astro turf ground at the Mayor Radhakrishnan stadium here, which had hosted the prestigious Champions trophy competition twice, even as it has come alive to international action again with the teams arriving for the seventh Asia Cup tourney to be held here from August 31 to September 9.

The China and Pakistan teams, first to arrive a day apart, sweated it out at two practise sessions, the former at the stadium and the latter at the YMCA college of Physical Education where an astro turf had been laid by the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDATN). Lensmen, television channels and reports thronged the YMCA where Pakistani team was practsing.

The Paksitan team's Chief Coach, former star Islahuddin Siddiqui said the team would be approaching the Asia Cup in all earnestness as it was part of its preparation for the Champions trophy back home in December and later the Beijing Olympic Games in 2008.

''It's a big test for our players. The Asia Cup would give us an opportunity to test new combinations for the Champions trophy and the Olympics'', he averred.

Meanwhile, IHF Secreary K Jyothikumaran told UNI that tight security had already been made for the teams at the practise venues.

''Further security arrangements would be finalised at a meeting with the police authorities at the Radhakrishnan stadium on August 29, for the duration of the tournament'', he said.

The other teams Japan, Malysia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Korea, Bangladesh , Sri Lanka and Thailand would also be arriving in tandem from tomorrow.

Twelve teams are in fray divided into two pools. India, who are hoping to regain the Cup which they had won in 2003, are placed in the six team Pool B and would be meeting China in their opening outing in the league phase on August 31.

The Indian team supervised by Chief coach Joachim Carvalho, is already undergoing a final preparatory camp since August 21.

UNI