Busan: With most of the star players not available, the Indians will have their tasks cut out in the table tennis event of the 14th Asian Games beginning at the Ulsan Dongcheon Gymnasium here on Tuesday.

The two-member team comprising Subhajit Saha and Somyadeep Roy will find the going very difficult against their much stronger opponents as China, Japan and the hosts South Korea were expected to maintain their dominance in the event.

The withdrawal of ace player Chetan Babboor has been a big blow to India's medal hopes forcing the Table Tennis Federation of India to send just two players to the Games since the medal possibilities were greatly reduced.

Baboor, who was the country's main hope, pulled out to prepare for his final MBA examinations in the USA while the injury to another seasoned player S Raman compounded the misery of the Indians.

Soumyadeep and Subhajit will take part in the singles and doubles events only while India will not field a side for the team event for which four players are required.

Though both Soumyadeep and Subhajit have a decent track record in domestic meets, it would need a near miracle for them to upset the apple cart of some of the top players in the world, who will be seen in action in the nine-day championship.

The team events will start from Tuesday and it would be followed by individual events.

PTI