India, May 27 -- Former India hockey player and now a coach of the Indian junior men's team for the U-18 Asia Cup in Japan, Rajnish Mishra is excited for the upcoming challenge. Led by Ketan Kushwaha, India will open their campaign in Kakamigahara on Friday against Kazakhstan in Pool A. They will next play hosts Japan (May 31), South Korea (June 1) and Chinese Taipei (June 3).

"As a player, I have seen many exciting moments in my career, and now I would like to see young guns winning the title. It's my maiden assignment as a coach of the national side," Lucknow's Mishra told HT from Kakamigahara. "My travel was delayed by a day due to a visa issue."

The biggest plus for Mishra with the Indian team is that five of his wards from Lucknow ...