Dhaka, May 26 (IANS): India's rising star Rashid Khan and seasoned Rahil Gangjee will lead the Indian challenge that will hope to dash local superstar Siddhikur Rahman's hopes of keeping the trophy in his country as the inaugural $300,000 Bangladesh Open golf tournament starts here on Wednesday.

Rashid, a two-time winner on the Asian Tour, will use a new driver to better his chances of earning his third title. "I’m comfortable with my game now because I changed my driver. The key here is to find fairways. It is not a long golf course," the 24-year-old explained.

Apart from the duo, Chiragh Kumar, Himmat Rai and Digvijay Singh, Shamim Khan, Harendra Gupta and Feroze Ali will be among the dozens of Indians who will look to impress in the inaugural Asian Tour event at the Kurmitola Golf Club in Bangladesh.

Meanwhile, Indian Open 2013 champion Siddikur, a big sporting icon in his country, hopes to shine at his home course and win the prestigious trophy which is designed in the form of Bangladesh’s national animal, the Royal Bengal Tiger.

“If I can play my own game here, I think I can win this tournament. This is definitely a golden opportunity for me to win and prove that Bangladeshi golfers are good,” Siddikur said.

“I’m physically fit and I really look forward to a good week. I didn’t prepare any differently this week because I feel very comfortable here. I think the fans and golfers will really enjoy the week,” he added.

Thai stars Thaworn Wiratchant and Chapchai Nirat along with veteran Singaporean Mardan Mamat will also be favourites.