``We have done exceedingly well in the Hong Kong rowing invitation championship held recently. And if all goes according to the plans we are sure of a gold medal in the light-weight category (coaxless four) in the coming Asian Games,'' says Dalbir Singh, who will accompany the team.

The Indian team is taking part in the light-weight and open-weight categories in coaxless four event.

Indeed, the Indian team gave excellent performance, winning three gold medals - in coaxless four, double scull (light-weight) and singles scull (open-weight) while the lone silver came in the coaxless four in open weight section. ``The team had made a winning start and we would like to maintain that tempo in the Asian Games also,'' says Jagjit Singh, who will lead the side, with an air of confidence. When asked that about the Chinese threat, Jagjit, who was also a member of the Indian team which got a bronze in the Hiroshima Asian Games, added:`` No doubt Chinese oarsmen are considered to be the best in Asia but we have been training in similar conditions which we would encounter in the coming Asian Games. This perhaps, would add to our advantage and enable us to emerge victorious''.

The Ukaraine coach - R Dimitri, who had been assisting the Indian team here, however, was not available for his comments.

All the nine members of the team are from the College of Military Engineering, Pune. But the fact that the team had no international exposure ever since their preparations began in February, coupled with the big-match blues could be a worrying factor.

Incidentally, the Hong Kong rowing championship, held recently was the only International meet, in which the Indian team took part.

``No doubt, more international meets are important from a psychological point of view, besides giving a competitive edge. But the boys have recently clocked excellent timings in the coaxless four in the Hong Kong meet, which shows that they are in fine kick. The only thing, which they now need is a strong opposition to give their best,'' says Dalbir.

Team
Coaxless four: Light weight: Binu Kurian, Kasam Khan, Ram Pal Singh, Rajinder Singh. Open weight: Johnson Xavier, Jagjit Singh, Tarlochan Singh and Birpal Singh. Dalbir Singh and R Dimitri will be the coaches with the team. RS Bhanwala will accompany as a manager.