Dhaka
Looking to recapture the Asia Cup title after a gap of 10 years, the Indian men’s hockey team faces a tricky campaign-opener against Japan here tomorrow.

Last edition’s runners-up India, led by midfielder Manpreet Singh, will be eyeing a perfect start to their campaign in Pool A, which also features archrivals Pakistan and hosts Bangladesh.

Pool B, meanwhile, consists of two-time defending champions South Korea, Malaysia, China and minnows Oman.

“The opening match is always challenging because we need to get over early nervousness and find our rhythm. The team is upbeat and ready for the first challenge,” said skipper Manpreet.

Two-time champions India, who last won the tournament in 2007, last played Japan in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup earlier this year where they won 4-3. But the Indians cannot afford to take Japan lightly. The Sultan Azlan Shah Cup was a prime example as Japan stunned reigning world champions Australia 3-2.

“We have seen how they play and they are definitely one of the fastest improving sides in Asia. We can never take Japan to be an easy team,” the India skipper said.

The Asia Cup will be the beginning of a new phase in Indian hockey as it would be coach Sjoerd Marijne’s first tournament at the helm.

“The Asia Cup is a fresh start not just for me but also for the team which is mentally prepared to return home with the title,” Marijne had said. “The Asia Cup is where I will get to see how the team reacts in match situations and where we are lacking and need immediate improvement,” he added.