Mandalay (Myanmar), March 9 (IANS): Indian women’s football team coach Sajid Dar believes that arriving here on Monday has given it more preparation time before the March 13 opening encounter against Sri Lanka for the Olympic Qualifiers Round 1.

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) sent the team five days prior to the event so as to help the eves adjust to the weather in a foreign land and to acquaint them with the play fields.

“I am very pleased with the number of days at hand; it will provide us time to adjust to the weather conditions," said Dar reflecting on the decision of the AIFF.

After their clash against the Lankans, India will face the stern challenge from the hosts on March 15. The team will start their training from Tuesday.

The 20-member contingent looked all focused and one of the seniors Oinam Bembem Devi said: “We are dying to prove ourselves. This is our time and we hope to do justice to our preparation.”