New Delhi, Sep 11 (IANS): The Indian men's hockey team departed for South Korea from here Thursday to participate in the Incheon Asian Games from Sep 19 to Oct 4.

The 16-member team will be led by captain Sardar Singh with goalkeeper P.R. Sreejesh as his deputy. They will open their group phase campaign against Sri Lanka Sep 21 followed by Oman Sep 23, Pakistan Sep 25 and China Sep 27. The top two teams will qualify for the semi-finals.

“We are aiming for a clean sweep and with the confidence in the camp I feel that we will be able to achieve the goal. Our first match against Sri Lanka is crucial as starting a tournament on a winning note will boost the morale of the team,” Sardar said.

Chief coach Terry Walsh said his boys are confident of winning the gold.

“The team is all pepped up and confident of winning the gold. With the same team like the Commonwealth Games, they are in sync with each other's game and hope to continue their seamless play yet again at Incheon,” said Walsh.