An Assam sepak takraw probable at a National Games camp in Guwahati. Picture by Eastern Projections

Guwahati, Aug. 2: The Assam Sepak Takraw Association will send a 46-member squad of probables to Imphal for an exposure tour-cum-advanced coaching in its third phase of coaching for the National Games.

“We are sending a 46- member squad to Imphal on September 1, where they will receive training along with the Manipur players at the Sports Authority of India’s (SAI) regional centre. It will be part of the third phase of coaching for the National Games,” association secretary Bishnuram Nunisa said.

“SAI Guwahati centre director in-charge Subhash Basumatary, who is our vice president, has fixed up the exposure tour-cum-coaching programme,” Nunisa added.

The touring team will take part in arranged matches as well as undergo intensive training during their stay in Imphal.

He said the Assam squad for the senior nationals, to be held at Hyderabad from September 21 to 24, will be named from among the trainees in Imphal from where they will fly directly to Hyderabad.

About the state’s prospect in the senior nationals, Nunisa said at least two gold medals were confirmed, which might even turn out to be all four up for grabs.

“Our players are in no way inferior to their Manipuri counterparts and the proposed exposure will further boost their confidence level,” he said.

The association has so far been claiming that Assam would bag at least two gold and two silver medals at the National Games.