Chance for hosts to lift gloom, Cup

Coach M K Kaushik was confident that his team would make the best use of the home conditions. ‘‘Our girls have been working hard and this tournament will surely provide the necessary opportunity to showcase their talent. The Australian and New Zealand teams will be tough opposition. But we have a plan in hand to counter them,’’ said the former Olympian.

The Indira Gandhi Gold Cup is being revived after nearly nine years. ‘‘Women hockey needs more such competitions for the standard to improve. It will also act as an incentive for the girls,’’ said former Olympian and member of the selection committee, Harbinder Singh.

Australian skipper Nikki Hudson said she expected ‘‘quality opposition’’ in the eight-day tournament. ‘‘We can learn from each game and learn more about the opposition. The humidity is the only problem,’’ she said.

Italian team skipper Victoria Maria Corso admitted that her team was a ‘‘very young side’’ and that they would treat this tournament as a ‘‘preparation for the World Cup qualifiers to be held in Rome next year.’’

Suzie Muirhead, captain of the New Zealand team, promised ‘‘fast and attacking hockey’’ while the Malaysians said the Cup would provide them the chance to assess their position in world hockey.