The little anticipated defeats can be attributed to the drawback in the physical build of Nepalis but it also highlights lack of infrastructure and inadequate training. [break]
According to former national basketball player Bikash Shahi, who was an observer during the tournament, Nepal had to face defeats because the opponents were physically well-built. The team also didn´t get enough time for preparation.
However, it was also the international debut of U-18 team, which was vulnerable to the well-experienced Indian team but also showed signs of hope for better future.
“Lack of experience is one of the reasons for the defeats. It was the first time they participated in such a high-level tournament and our players lacked height,” said Shahi.
The match against India, which Nepal lost 50-80, was the “best performance” ever, said Shahi. Nepal always have been losing with powerhouse India by a margin of 60 points, according to Shahi.
“It was an honorable defeat. Our players battled well,” he added.
Narendra Thapa, vice president of Nepal Basketball Association (NeBA), said that the players were worn out. “The players lack energy,” he said, blaming the practice of eleventh hour training in Nepal.
Accentuating the problems faced by NeBA, Thapa said that they have been sponsoring diet and kits for the selected players ahead of tournaments but have not been able to provide long-term training due to fund crunch.
“We have been looking for sponsors on the basis of personal relations so far. We do not have any source of income and providing training on our own is not feasible. Moreover, the Covered Hall is not available all the time. Various tournaments take place here and we have been adjusting the hall with badminton players,” Thapa added.
However, the future seems more secured because NeBA will be providing regular training to students after singing an agreement with HISSAN some weeks ago.
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