With Maldives, Lanka and Botswana expected to be easy enough opponents, India's medal hopes depend entirely on their showing against Scotland. India's dependance on Gopi does not help matters as the star player has only just recovered from a knee injury that laid him off for six weeks. If India's chances are tough in men's section, things look even more grim for women. India are in Group X with Scotland and Wales, two strong contenders for medals. Aparna Popat may pull of a singles point, but for all others it will be a tough job.

Top seed and favourites Malaysia seemed to have got a good draw. In Group A they have been grouped alongside Canada, Jamaica andNorthern Ireland. Though the men's draw looked good for Malaysia, the women's draw is tough in Group W which includes top seed New Zealand and strong contenders Wales. Trinidad & Tobago and Mauritius make up the five teams in the group.

Morten Frost Hansen, a one-time rival to Padukone, cautioned his side from becoming overconfident, while in the case of women he was clearly worried. But New Zealand can expect a vengeful Malaysia, who were beaten rearlier this year. Although top seeds Kiwis are still guarded vis-a-vis England, the acceptance of Li Feng, a former Chinese ace, will make the New Zealand attack formidable with Rebecca Gordon, Rhona Robertson, Amanda Carter and Sharon Jenkins.

Li Feng though cleared by the Organising committee to play for New Zealand, is still nursing an injury on her right knee. She came back into action only two months ago and did only light training today.

Australia who will miss the 1994 champion Lisa Campobell who retired earlier this year, will depend on the veteranRhoda Cator. The Peter Blackburn-Rhonda Cator pairing is ranked 12th in the International Badminton Federation (IBF) list and third best among Commonwealth countries. They won bronze four years ago in the mixed doubles.

Groupings

MEN: Group A: Malaysia, Canada, Jamaica, Northern Ireland. Group B: Scotland, India, Maldives, Botswana, Sri Lanka. Group C: England, Australia, Fiji, Trinidad & Tobago, Wales. Group D: New Zealand, South Africa, Ghana, Brunei, Mauritius.

WOMEN: Group W: New Zealand, Malaysia, Trinidad & Tobago, Mauritius. Group X: Scotland, India, Sri Lanka, Wales. Group Y: Australia, Canada, Jersey, Samoa, Botswana Group Z: England, South Africa, Jamaica, Fiji.