Bangkok, Feb 3 : Gaganjeet Bhullar will lead the Indian challenge as the Asian Tour tees off for 2010 season Thursday with the Asian Tour International.

Besides, Indonesia champion Bhullar, Hero Honda Indian winner Chinnaswamy Muniyappa, three-time winner on the Asian Tour Gaurav Ghei, Rahil Gangjee and young Himmat Rai are the other Indians in the field.

Giving them company will be Kunal Bhasin of Australia, who is of Indian origin and made the Tour through the qualifier.

South African James Kamte is geared up for his title defence but he will likely have to compete with borrowed clubs. Kamte is amongst a strong line-up of stars from 25 different nationalities assembled at the Suwan Golf and Country Club which reflects the cosmopolitan attraction of the established Asian Tour.

Thai hero Thaworn Wiratchant will spearhead the local charge in the US$300,000 event alongside upcoming talent Kiradech Aphibarnrat while other top names include Australian Marcus Both, who has finished third in the last two editions of the event and in-form Singaporean Lam Chih Bing.

Bhullar, who was in scintillating form last season will be hoping to continue in the same vein.

"I am always traveling and playing usually during the new year. This time, I got a good break."

"It's the first event of the year and everyone is trying to put their money on the board. Playing well in the beginning of the year can give you confidence for the next 11 months," he said.

"I'm quite excited. I love this golf course, I played here last year and although they've changed the greens and turned the nines around, it's in awesome shape." (IANS)