Garcia targets top-5 show

Francisco Garcia, the new coach of the Indian women’s basketball team, says he is focussed on a top-five finish at the Asian Championships in Bangkok in October.

“China, Japan, South Korea and Taipei are the best in the region and we have to compete with others for the next best position. Whether we finish fifth or sixth, we will give it our best shot for sure,” the Spaniard told IANS in an interview.

The training of the girls will go on full steam for two months from Thursday at the Jaypee Sports Complex in Greater Noida.

“But for a short break of 10 days, it will be a rigorous workout for two months. I have not met the entire squad, but the girls I have seen are hard working and have a lot of passion for the game. Importantly, they are willing to work,” he said.

Before accepting the offer from the Basketball Federation of India (BFI), Garcia was in Denmark and Finland, besides Spain, on coaching assignments.