India, Aug. 28 -- Following a customary pre-tournament photoshoot with all the skippers, Harmanpreet Singh walked back, put his right arm around predecessor Manpreet Singh's shoulders and cracked a joke to the amusement of his teammates. Not far from them, two-time Olympic bronze medallist Sumit shared a laugh with fellow defender and first rusher Amit Rohidas.

Chief coach Craig Fulton was also in a light-hearted mood, having a conversation with his support staff as they walked back to the dugout at sunset following the Indian hockey team's final practice session ahead of their Asia Cup Pool A opener against China on Friday. The team looked cheerful and relaxed but also confident, ready to deliver at the continental showpiece being held ...