Bengaluru, May 20 :Olympic Bronze medalist Birendra Lakra-led Indian men’s hockey team left for Jakarta where they will defend the Asia Cup title starting from May 23. India are placed alongside Japan, Pakistan and hosts Indonesia in Pool A while Malaysia, South Korea, Oman and Bangladesh are grouped in Pool B. India will kick off their campaign on the opening day against arch rivals Pakistan. Birendra said: “The team is definitely excited. The Asia Cup is a very prestigious tournament and we will have quite a few players who will be experiencing it for the first time, Naturally, the mood is upbeat in the team. “Our camp in Bengaluru was quite tough and very fruitful. While we got to know more about each player’s strengths, and improved our on-field communication, Sardar (coach) was also very particular about our fitness.” In the previous edition held in Bangladesh in 2017, India defeated Malaysia in the final to lift the title. (UNI)