NEW DELHI, Nov 4: Hosts India will take on Sri Lanka in the inaugural match of the second Asian Schools Basketball Tournament, which gets underway at the Talkatora Indoor Stadium, from tomorrow.

Seven teams, including India, are participating in the second edition of the tournament. Defending champions South Korea, runners-up China, the Philippines, Malaysia and Sri Lanka have already arrived, and had a practice session to get the feel of the court today. Macau are expected early tomorrow morning, and will have their first practice session prior to the opening match.

The Indian boys arrived in the Capital on Sunday after a two-month camp at Patiala. They had a hectic work-out today, with coaches Akhilesh and BS Huda watching on.

Surprisingly, chief coach S Subramaniam was missing. The Indians will be looking forward to improve upon the sixth-place finish they achieved in the inaugural edition of the tournament in Seoul in 1995. The Indians, who are strong in the inside game will rely more on defensive tactics and run-away shooting to counter the physically stronger South Koreans and the Chinese. The draw of lots seems to have favoured India. They are placed in Group B -- together with China, Sri Lanka and Macau Group A comprises South Korea, Malaysia and the Philippines.

FIXTURES:

Nov 5: India vs Sri Lanka, the Philippines vs Malaysia

Nov 6: India vs Macau, China vs Sri Lanka, South Korea vs Malaysia

Nov 7: China vs Macau, South Korea vs the PhilippinespNov 8: India vs China, Macau vs Sri Lanka, semi-finals

Nov 9: 5-7 placings

Nov 10: 3-4 placings, Final

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.