HYDERABAD, March 15: The discerning were disappointed as the first-leg of the championship, now nearing completion, saw the `same old' faces, raising doubts about the depth of the talent in the country.But when the second-leg, involving pools G, H, I and J, starts on Tuesday, the story could be different with teams like Services and Karnataka, among others, fielding youthful combinations.Having taken a policy decision to field an under-25 side, Services have brought a combination which will make its maiden appearance. Coach, Olympian BK Subramani, was confident of his side's prospects. `We are the dark horses in the tournament,'' he said.The other quarter of the draw would witness an interesting clash between sponsors Punjab & Sind Bank, and Air-India. The latter, semifinalists at Bangalore, might find the going difficult as their mainstays are on the injury list.Anil Aldrin (ankle), Gagan Ajit Singh (twisted toe), Rajesh Chauhan (groin) are expected to be in the start line-up, but as regardstheir effectiveness, only time will tell. PSB would be relying on their captain, Olympian Baljit Singh Saini.Himachal Pradesh, the state association of which IHF chief KPS Gill is the president, withdrew, making the job of runners-up in the last edition, Tamil Nadu, that much easier.Groupings: Pool G: Karnataka, Customs, Chandigarh, Delhi, Madhya Bharat, Tata Sport; Pool H: Services, CRPF, Bengal, Kerala, Assam; Pool I: Air-India, PSB, Combined Universities, Pondicherry, MP; Pool J: Tamil Nadu, Patiala, Bhopal, Manipur.Still in the darkTo play (under lights) or not to play. That is the dilemma the Tournament Director Mohammed Ghouse, is facing. The lighting, which Ghouse found inadequate at the start of the championship, has been, according to the organisers, upgraded, but the TD is as yet undecided about giving the green signal. The ever-optimistic Ghouse told The Indian Express: ``We will try out playing under lights tomorrow for one match (between Maharashtra and J&K). We willtake a decision after that.''``With most international tournaments being played under lights, it is essential for our boys to get used to similar conditions. But what is the point in playing under inadequate lighting ? It might look glamorous, but it will not help."
