Hyderabad: India are likely to run into tough opponents in the semifinals of 6th Junior Asian Men’s Hockey Cup, which begins at the Gachibowli Hockey Stadium here on July 11.

Eight teams are vying for top honours in the eight-day league-cum-knockout tournament and the winners of the tournament will qualify for the 2009 Junior Men’s World Cup to be held in Malaysia.

India, who are placed along with Japan, Malaysia and Singapore in Group A are likely to face either Pakistan or Korea in the last four stage. Bangladesh and Oman complete Group B.

Chairman of the ad-hoc committee Aslam Sher Khan exuded confidence that India are favourites to retain the Cup. “We have about six players who featured in the senior team and the junior team has done well at two international tournaments in Germany and Malaysia. By far we are the favourites to win the title,” Sher Khan said here on Sunday.

Chief coach of the junior team AK Bansal agreed with Khan. “We have a very experienced outfit. Almost all the members of the team have the experience of playing in big tournaments. But we don’t want to be complacent as Pakistan and Korea are very unpredictable,” said Bansal.

Sher Khan, however, declined to comment on the efforts of Jothikumaran to reconstitute the Tamil Nadu Hockey Association (TNHA). “The matter is sub-judice. It is not right on my part to comment on Jothikumaran or his activities,” he said.

Hyderabad Hockey Association president Dinesh Reddy said no effort is being spared to make the tournament a success.

Preparations for the tournament apart, the ad-hoc committee will meet on July 18 to chalk out plans to revive Indian hockey.