Falcons hopeful of a winning start

It takes on Maharashtra United in the opening match of the League, in what promises to be a gripping contest. Falcons’ topranked woman player Matilda Ekholm (World No. 30), however, declared that the team is in perfect condition and is looking forward to a good start. 

“We have a good chance of picking up points,” she said, after her training session on Wednesday. 

“We are a strong team and are all in good shape. I am confident of defending the title,” added the Swede. The upbeat mood in the Falcons’ camp ahead of its first tie lies in the fact that it had defeated Maharashtra United in both its ties last season. 

Sanil Shetty, Priyadarshini Das, Sutirtha Mukherjee and Englishman Liam Pitchford were part of the team’s success story last year, and they are all seeking to extend their fine showing to this season as well. 

However, Falcons will be wary of rival coach Franciso Santos, as the Portuguese will be aware of its strengths and weaknesses, having been its own coach for Season 1. He will also be aiming for a similar result with his new franchise. Maharashtra United’s World No. 19 Elizabeta Samara admitted that it will be a tough opener. 

“They (Falcons) have many good players. We have been preparing well and we are improving day by day,” said the Romanian, who is on her first visit to India.

Maharashtra United will be banking on World No. 18 Kristian Karlsson, the highest ranked international player, along with the Indians Amalraj Anthony, Selena Selvakumar and Madhurika.