Indian women aim for top 10 finish in world squash

The Indian squad, spearheaded by world No. 14 Dipika Pallikal, is aiming for a top-10 finish in the World Women's Team Squash Championships to be held at Nimes in France from November 12-17.

"In 2010, the Indian girls finished 11th and we are confident of doing better this time," said team coach Cyrus Poncha before the team's departure for the event.

"Seeded 10th this time, the girls will have to defeat Ireland and Argentina to top their pool before playing the round of 16 against the corresponding country from Pool H," Poncha said.

Apart from 21-year-old Dipika, the Indian team is made up of the vastly experienced Joshna Chinappa (world No. 32), Asian junior champion Anaka Alankamony (world No. 73) and junior No. 2 Aparajitha Balamurukan (world No. 142).

Poncha and Maj (Retd) S Manaim are the coaches.

The biennial event is being staged in France for the first time in its 33-year history. Argentina, Korea and Namibia are to compete for the first time in this edition where a record 26 nations will take part, according to a press note.

Pool line-ups (with seeding in brackets):

Pool A: [1] England, [16] Scotland, [23] Republic of Korea

Pool B: [2] Egypt, [15] Wales, [24] Mexico

Pool C: [3] Malaysia, [14] South Africa, [19] China, [26] Spain

Pool D: [4] Hong Kong China, [13] Czech Republic, [20] Colombia, [25] Namibia

Pool E: [5] New Zealand, [12] USA, [22] Japan

Pool F: [6] Australia, [11] Canada, [18] Austria

Pool G: [7] Ireland, [10] India, [17] Argentina

Pool H: [8] Netherlands, [9] France, [21] Germany