After men, women’s handball team loses

The Indian women’s handball team began its Asian Games campaign on a losing note as it suffered a 19-36 defeat to Kazakhstan in their preliminary round match on Tuesday.

The Indian team gave a tough fight in the first period, trailing 13-19 but was outplayed 6-17 by its opponents in the second period of the Group A match.

For India, Rimpi was the highest scorer with eight goals from just nine shots while Maninder Kaur netted three. Nidhi Sharma and Ritu scored two goals each. For Kazakhstan, Dana Abilda scored eight goals while Olga Tankita got six.

The difference in class between the two sides was evident as Kazakhstan got as many as 54 shots at goals as against 36 for India. India will next play Korea in their second group match on August 16.

The men’s team had lost to Chinese Taipei 28-38 in its first group match on Monday.

SHOOTERS CHECK IN

Members of the Indian contingent began arriving at the Athletes Village, with the shooters being the first to check in. Deputy Chef de Mission Balbir Singh Kushwaha said facilities at the Games Village were good.

“The 31 members of the shooting team (out of 36) arrived here today. The rowing squad will be coming in on Wednesday while the tennis players should be trickling in from August 16 onwards,” Kushwaha said.

JAKARTA: PALEMBANG:

HOCKEY TEAMS DEPART

With their vision set on securing qualification for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, confident Indian men and women’s hockey teams on Tuesday left for the 18th Asian Games to be held in Jakarta.

While the 18-member women’s team will begin their campaign against hosts Indonesia in their opening match in Pool B clash on 19 August, the men’s will begin their title defence against Indonesia on 20 August, according to a statement.

NEWDELHI: