The Solomon Islands national futsal team has departed for the 5th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan.
The team of 15 departed yesterday where they will transit through Port Villa, Nadi and then to Turkmenistan.
The Kurukuru team is accompanied by the head coach, Jerry Sam, assistant coach Francis Lafai and team manager, Glen Buka.
The Oceania champion is drawn into Group A alongside host city Turkmenistan, Vietnam, Chinese Taipei and Hong Kong.
They will take on Hong Kong for their opening pool game.
Coach Jerry Sam is aware of the level of competitiveness in the Asia region but remained confident his boys are prepared to compete.
“Pool A is not an easy group but we’re happy about the draw.
“We are prepared to take on Hong Kong in the opener.
“We have very little knowledge on Hong Kong but I have urged our boys to step up to the occasion.
“I am very happy to take on our Asian opponents because we never had an opportunity to play against them before.
“Asian futsal standard is totally different from OFC.
“Though their standard is high we are ready for the games.
“We will take on one team at a time.
“Every game is a grand final for us,” he told Star Sports recently.
Participating at the Asian Games is a boost to the preparations of the Kurukuru team for future competition.
Half of the team comprises new faces and coach Jerry Sam believes this trip will surely give the new players a new experience and more exposure.
Kurukuru is part of Team Solomon for the Asian Indoor Games.
Two other sports who will be representing Solomon Islands are Athletics and Weighlifting.
Athletics includes Solomon Islands and Oceania’s long distance female champion, Sharon Firisua, Patrick Kamo and Samantha Rofo.
Four athletes will take part in weightlifting; they are Leslie Mae, David Gorosi, Jenly Wini and Mary Kini.
Pacific Games gold medalist Jenly Wini and Mary Kini are currently in New Caledonia and will team up with the rest of the team before travelling to Turkmenistan.
The Asian Indoor Games starts next week.
By CARLOS ARUAFU
