RAJGIR, Aug. 29 -- The India players and chief coach Craig Fulton were in a chirpy mood as they walked back to the dugout at sunset following the team's final practice session ahead of their Asia Cup Pool A opener against China at the Bihar Sports University Hockey Stadium here on Friday. It wasn't long ago that the Indian team had to endure seven successive losses in the FIH Pro League to finish eighth out of nine teams, just about avoiding relegation. The team on Thursday, however, looked fresher. They had a break, took part in the national camp and toured Australia for a four-match friendly series. "Our preparation has been thorough. The camp in Perth gave us the right intensity, with tough training sessions and competitive matches. The group is playing with real purpose and we feel ready," said Fulton. The Harmanpreet-led side may have lost those Pro League games, but they were competitive, losing six of the seven games by just one goal. The Asia Cup is a tournament of consequence. And significantly, there is a big difference in the quality of competition between the Pro League and Asia Cup. To say that India have dominated Asia of late would be an understatement. An undefeated Indian team easily clinched the 2023 Asian Champions Trophy in Chennai. India then went on to win every game at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou to clinch gold and qualify for the 2024 Paris Games where they won bronze a second successive time. World No.7 India maintained status quo last year at the Asian Champions Trophy where they again came out on top without losing a single contest. India last won the Asia Cup in 2017. Having qualified for the 2023 World Cup as hosts, India fielded a second string squad in the last edition in 2022 where they won bronze. This time, India don't have the luxury. "Our target is clear, to win the Asia Cup and secure qualification for World Cup. We know it will be tough. But if we are consistent, and execute well, we can achieve it," said Fulton. Pakistan have pulled out due to "security concerns". Oman too withdrew but due to "financial reasons". They have been replaced with Bangladesh and Kazakhstan. India's other pool matches are against Japan (Aug 31) and Kazakhstan (Sept 1). Pool B comprises Malaysia, South Korea, Bangladesh and Chinese Taipei. The top two teams from both groups will qualify for the Super 4s. The top two in Super 4s will play the final on September 7. "I extend my best wishes to all the participating teams, players, officials and supporters across Asia," PM Narendra Modi said on X. "I am confident that this tournament will be full of thrilling matches, displays of extraordinary talent and memorable moments that will inspire future generations of sports lovers," Modi added....