The Secretary-General of the Asia Ocenia Zone, Don Perriman has praised the Indian U23 for their efforts in the U23 Qualifying Tournament which has just come to an end in Bangkok, Thailand.
During the tournament Perriman met with the team from India and spoke at length with them.
He said, “While the Indian team may be disappointed with their results, they have won the admiration of all at the tournament with their spirit and endeavour throughout their games. They did not lose their enthusiasm for the game and have shown positive signs of improvement with every match.
“I have seen many Paralympic Games and World Championship events involving the greatest teams in the world but it is still a heart warming experience to see a new developing nation come into the game.
“They should be very proud of the fact that they were the first ever team from India to compete at an IWBF tournament, and that future Indian teams will look at them as the pioneers of the game in their country.”
Indian Wheelchair Basketball Federation President, Madhavi Latha Prathigudupu, thanked Perriman for his kind words, and said her team was delighted to be at the tournament and was thankful for the welcome and support they have received from other teams and the Zone. She also wanted to thank the IWBF, in particular Secretary General Maureen Orchard, for all that has been done to help ensure the programme in India has begun in the right way, and said that India looked forward to many years of involvement at future IWBF tournaments.
