New Delhi: Five-time champions India began their title defence at the Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament in emphatic fashion, thrashing Bangladesh 13-0 on Tuesday, powered by a hat-trick from returning forward Mandeep Singh.
Mandeep scored in the third, 10th and 54th minutes to lead India’s dominant performance.
Captain Harmanpreet Singh scored in the second and 44th minutes, while Dilpreet Singh struck twice in the 43rd and 44th minutes. Vice-captain Hardik Singh also scored twice in the 60th minute.
Shilanand Lakra opened his account in the 15th minute, followed by Abhishek in the 18th and Nilakanta Sharma in the 26th. Jugraj Singh added another goal in the 46th minute.
The comprehensive victory gave India a commanding start to their campaign as they seek to retain the title.
