CHENNAI, July 15: After India's abysmal show at the World Cup in Utretch, the Federation's concept to revamp the system of conducting All India Tournaments is indeed a step in the right direction. The 76th MCC-Murugappa Gold Cup Hockey Tournament that begins at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium on Friday, is looked upon with a wider perspective, so much so the combative spirit among the teams is sure on a high.Last year the tournament did invite the country's six best teams and was played in the Champions Trophy format. Incidentally the Indian Juniors that lifted the Murugappa trophy, went on to finish runner-up at the World Cup at Milton Keynes.This year's tournament serves as a platform to access not only the players performance by also the coaches and umpires. For the first time in a tournament of this stature, eight national umpires are assigned and will be closely gauged by an officiating committee. What with the four-nation tournament in Hamburg in August, Commonwealth Games in September and theAsian Games in December much is at stake for the players.
