Jharkhand all set to make its presence felt in the upcoming 18th East Zone Tennikoit Championship that is scheduled to be held in Kolkata from May 31 to to June 2.
The State women’s team, which ended up runner’s up the Tennikoit title in the last zonal meet at Cuttack, is keen to take on their West Bengal, Odisha, Manipur and Tripura rivals for the cup this year. The men’s team, too, is equal mix of young and talented players to taken on their rivals.
Officials of the Jharkhand Tennikoit Association (JTA), announced a 10-member squad for the upcoming Kolkata zonal tournament on Wednesday.
“Based on the performance of players in the past we have selected the team. All those who have been named in the squad have been picked purely on merit. We are sure they will come up with an improved performance at Kolkata,” general secretary of JTA Ali Raza Khan.
He added that the State women had failed to lift the winning trophy but this time they are confident to bring laurels. “The players are confident and we are sure that they will give their best. The women’s team will aim for the top slot this season,” Khan said.
The mens’ team announced by JTA president S.R.A. Rizvi Chabban includes the names of Md Shadab (captain), Mohd Nizam, Muhammad Usman, Mohammad Nasim, Shubham Kumar Singh, Asfak Khan and Akshay Kumar Sharma. The womens’ team will comprise D. Hemlata (captain), Saraswati Das, Pooja Kumari, Soni Kumari and Singu Tudu.
“We are confident to register our best show so far. We have talented players and they will give best shot,” said Chabban.