'India has a chance to improve its standing in table tennis'

Doha, Nov 27 (UNI) The Table Tennis competition in the Asian Games is akin to Olympics and World Championship and it will be a commendable performance if India improves its position in the competition.

At the last edition of the Games at Busan, India had finished fifth and sixth in the Men and Women's team events respectively.

But technical delegate VK Bawa told UNI here today that they ''hope to improve upon that standings.'' Bawa was candid enough to admit that it would be tough for the Indians to be on the medal podium in the team events but ''we can expect something from Sharath Kamal in the open event.'' Kamal won the Gold in the Melbourne Commonwealth Games and is in good form.

''It is going to be hard but Kamal has in him to rise to the occssion.'' he said.

Bawa was of the view that lot will depend on the draw.

''If we are not drawn along with the Chinese or Koreans then we stand a good chance of making it to the next stage of the team event,'' he said.

China and Korea are powerhouses in the game and along with Chinese Taipei they are expected to dominate the event.

India will be represented by ten paddlers, including five women.

The team arrived here sans coach Manjit Dua who is expected to reach here tomorrow.

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