(Clock-wise from top left): Ajay Pratap Singh (IND),  Anar-erdene Khureltogoo (MGL), Sajjad Mashayekhi (IRI), Luo Hanchen (CHN), Li Yu-Wei (TPE), Cheon Gibeom (KOR).

ULAANBAATAR, Mongolia (22nd FIBA Asia U18 Championship): Here’s a collection of quotes from players of various teams during the Prelim Round of the competition.

Guard Cheon Gibeom (KOR) on the team’s target in the tournament:

“It’s a wonderful start we’ve had to the tournament. But then our ultimate is to play the Final. We would love to play China in the Final and beat them. It’ll be a revenge (for the defeat Korea suffered in the gold medal game at the 21st FIBA Asia Championship at Sana’A (Yemen) in 2010).”

Forward Ajay Pratap Singh (IND) before the crucial Prelim Round Group A game against Hong Kong:

“We did really well against Lebanon. It was a game we had in our hand, but didn’t handle the end correctly. And against China, we fought hard but fell short. We will go all out to qualify for the Second Round.”

Guard Luo Hanchen (CHN) on his team being billed as the overwhelming favorites:

“That’s what everybody is saying. And we know we can go all the way. But what’s more important for all the players in our team is how well we play. We are looking forward to execute our coaches’ plans to perfection.”

Point guard Sajjad Mashayekhi (IRI) on the team’s aim in the competition:

“We want to show to Asia what Iranian future basketball will be. We want to prove ourselves and bring joy to our fans. Of course we want to play well and try and regain the gold medal.”

Point guard Anar-erdene Khureltogoo (MGL) on Mongolia’s debut in the competition:

“It’s been an exciting and educative experience for all of us to be playing here. We want to show to the basketball in Mongolia that they should continue to support us.”

Shooting guard Li Yu-Wei (TPE) on the team’s prospects of winning a medal

“We want to show that the medal Chinese Taipei won (two years ago at the 21st FIBA Asia Championship at Sana’A) was not a flash in the pan. We want to show we won it by merit and prove what we are capable of.”

FIBA Asia