Afghan hoopsters first to leave Games Village

Doha, Nov 28 (UNI) Three days before the official opening of the 15th Asian Games, Afghanistan basketball team became the first to leave the Games Village as they had finished their assignments.

The Afghan hoopsters bade an emotional farewell to village last night.

''At this Games, my players realised that there is a different world outside Afghanistan. I could see them overwhelmed at seeing the world-class facilities here. Something that they can only dream off,'' said coach Zabiullah Subat.

Subat, who played for Afghanistan from 1973 to 1976, fled to California but returned to Afghanistan three years ago.

The emotionally-charged coach said, ''Most of my players wished they could stay here for some more time but we have to leave. We have to take care of our pockets you see.'' The coach wished his wards could have some useful practice with the club teams here.

''Qatar has a strong basketball league and had we known that earlier, we could have worked out something because these opportunities are rare. Hopefully, there will be a next time,'' said Subat.

It is after 30 years that an Afghan basketball team is taking part in the Asian Games and they played like champions.

In their first outing, they stunned Hong Kong 65-57 and later went down fighting to Syria 66-84.

''The team was put together in around 90 days. We had announced that there would be trials for the team on television and radio. We also managed to select the best team for the tournament. They are young and if all goes well and if they stay together, then we can build up a strong team for the future,'' he said.

Afghnistan has managed only one medal in the Asian Games till date. The medal was won by Roia Zamani, who clinched a bronze in the 72kg middleweight category in women's taekwondo at the 2002 Busan Asian Games.

''This time we will be having four girls -- one each in taekwondo and karate. Zamani won't be participating but she will be rendering her experience and support. She is coming as the team manager and hopefully it will do a world of good to the confidence of the girls,'' Subat said.

Afghanistan is hoping that their boxers, fencers and wrestlers will earn them medals.

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