NEW DELHI: The Indian women’s senior national team will clash swords against Maldives in their opening fixture of the 12th South Asian Games on Friday at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong, Meghalaya, the kick-off for which is at IST 1:30PM.

The Indian eves had been in a preparatory camp in Shillong from January 17 – 31, 2016, and will look to start their South Asian Games campaign on a winning note, before taking on Sri Lanka on February 09, 2016.

In an exclusive interview with www.the-aiff.com, head coach of the Indian Women’s Team Sajid Dar talks at length about the Team’s preparation, strengths, fitness, tenacity, and a lot more.EXCERPTS:

How do you reflect on the preparation of the Team?

The Players have acclimatized well to the chilly weather conditions and are focusing on the forthcoming Tournament. All of them are raring for the kick-off and are willing to give their all on the pitch. We hope that the weather does not play spoilsport.

What stays the strength of the Team?

The spirit of unity is oozing through the squad and that is one of our strengths apart from all the Players being match fit. Each and every Player is looking forward to win the Tournament and that is a huge motivation.

What is your outlook of India’s opponents – Maldives, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bangladesh?

There are no easy opponents when it comes to Football. Every Team is difficult to play against and we have the utmost respect for our opponents, who have progressed in terms of their style of play in the recent Years. Every match is a challenge for us.

Is there some mental pressure, given that India is the defending Champion?

There is always pressure when you are the defending Champions and given that we are the hosts of the Tournament the pressure will be like never before. However, we have to take one match at a time and focus on the task ahead of us.

What is your goal for this Tournament?

We have to win this Tournament for the Women of India. At the same time it will be a good notion to kick-start 2016 by being crowned Champions of South Asian Games.

3 Senior Players (Bembem Devi, Bala Devi, Ashalata Devi) went to play in Maldives in 2015. Do you think it will give you an edge tomorrow against them?

Most certainly! All three Players are integral to the Indian setup and they will help in identifying and nullifying the strengths of the Maldivian Team as they have already brushed shoulders against them in Maldives. These three will be our wildcard on the morrow.

How significant would be Bembem Devi’s presence in the Dressing Room for the South Asian Games?

Bembem’s presence is immense in the Dressing Room as she helps to unify the Team by leading from the front. Apart from being a sound Player her ability has always been a driving force for us. Any Coach will be happy to have a ‘Bembem’ in his squad and all the Players want to win this Tournament for her as the (South Asian) Games will be her last appearance for the National Team.