Set for homework: Indian boys seek bright start

AS evening settled in different hues, a cool breeze kept blowing across the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium. It was cool by Chennai standards but enough to make players from different parts of the world comfortable during practice. Players were going through their rituals as a handful of people were busy with last-minute checks on Thursday.

- CHANDRA PRABHU

The blue astro-turf was shining under the lights and the stadium itself seemed like an oasis cut off from the din of a railway station and numerous shops close by. Each time the stadium gets a makeover, it's time for hockey celebration in the city. This time the Junior Hockey World Cup is in town. However, there are rain predicitions in the next few days due to Cyclone Ditwah. The tournament begins on Friday with defending champions Germany taking on South Africa in a Pool A match at Madurai in the morning. Hosts India play Chile in a Pool B match at Chennai late in the evening.