India, Sept. 5 -- An injury-plagued Indian women's hockey team will look to put behind past struggles and hope for a winning start against lower-ranked Thailand in its opening match of the Asia Cup beginning here on Friday. India, ranked ninth in the world, will start favourites against world number 30 Thailand in the Pool B match. India are the highest ranked team in the pool alongside Japan (12), Thailand and Singapore (31) and are expected to top the group. Pool A consists of China, South Korea, Malaysia and Chinese Taipei. In fact, India are the second highest-ranked side in the tournament behind world no.4 China. The Asia Cup holds great significance for all teams as it is a qualifying tournament for next year's World Cup in Belgium ...