With coach S Baskar yet to join the Indian basketball camp for the South Asian Championships, assistant coach G R L Prasad has taken over the reins with just a few days left for the tournament to begin.
Baskar, who was appointed as the head coach early this month, is yet to be released by his employers, Sports Authority of India.
“I am still waiting for my release papers from SAI. As soon as I get the papers done, I will be in Bengaluru,” said Baskar, who trains his wards at the SAI Centre in Mayiladuthurai in Tamil Nadu.
“Prasad has taken over the camp. Though with the prevailing situation, I will not be able to spend much time with the boys before the meet, Prasad’s presence will definitely go a long way in shaping the team,” Baskar added.
The tournament, starting on July 3, is expected to see some quality basketball action with six nations taking part. The event, which also acts as the qualifying tournament for the FIBA Asia Cup, will see Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal and Maldives in action, apart from hosts and the defending champions, India.
Deccan Herald is on WhatsApp Channels| Join now for Breaking News & Editor's Picks