An Asian Games gold in hockey is worth its weight because with it comes an automatic qualification for the Olympics, and that's a burden India will want off its shoulder at Incheon before shifting focus to Rio 2016.
The days of India's dominance in world hockey have long been over, and the scene in the Asian subcontinent hasn't been different. South Korea and Pakistan have showed teeth more than often, with even Malaysia at times turning the tables on the eight-time Olympic champions.
But former India coach Michael Nobbs feels India could prove to be the team to beat at Incheon.
"This is the strongest team to represent India in the last two years," Nobbs told IBNLive from Australia. "All players are available and most of the team have upward of 100 caps, so they certainly are a very experienced team. In fact, they will be the most experienced team at the Asian games."
Nobbs reckoned after their silver-medal effort at the Commonwealth Games, the Indian team should be the favourite to wear gold at the Asian Games.
"They would be ranked number one at this tournament and after the good display at the Commonwealth Games, the number one position and gold medal should be a certainty. Nothing less should be an acceptable outcome," the Aussie said.
When asked if there are any problem areas he finds in the current team, Nobbs said small problems here and there shouldn't affect the team's show and can't be used as an excuse.
"There seem to be quite a few small problems in Indian Hockey at the moment. [But] They certainly should not have any impact on the performance of the team and I would hate to think excuses will be made because of this."
The former Olympian also pointed out that Japan could be the dark horse of the tournament after the massive restructuring they have undergone.
"Japan have had a big change in their hockey Board structure and the best players in Japan are now available for their national team. They could be the dark horse and could prove to be a difficult team. If they play with confidence, they could be troubling all the teams they play."
Nobbs picked South Korea to be one of the finalists provided they hit form early. "Korea, always a threat; and if they find form early, they will be in the finals," he said.
Pakistan, according to the former India coach, will be difficult to predict due to their long absence. "Pakistan, always interesting, as they will have renewed enthusiasm for international hockey and will be looking for a good result so that more money can be directed to their programme. Always an exciting team and after their hiatus in international hockey, it will be hard to say how they will do."
And the Australian ruled out Malaysia and China as any threats. "Malaysia seems to have self-destructed and will not have any major influence on this tournament. China will not pose a threat to any of the better nations but could cause an upset if the other teams are not vigilant," he concluded.
For India, only defending champions Pakistan will be a challenge during the group stage. Other than Pakistan in Pool B, India will be joined by China, Oman and Sri Lanka. The 2012 silver-medallists Malaysia, hosts South Korea, Japan, Bangladesh and Singapore are in Pool B.
India play their first game against Sri Lanka on September 21.
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