Defending champions India commenced their campaign at the Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament with a resounding 13-0 victory over Bangladesh in the opening match on Tuesday. Mandeep Singh was the standout performer for India, netting a hat-trick to mark his return to form.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the match, held at the Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium, saw India assert complete dominance from the outset, with the play predominantly confined to the Bangladesh half. The Indian team secured an early lead in the second minute through a penalty corner converted by captain Harmanpreet Singh. Mandeep Singh extended India’s advantage in the third minute, capitalizing on a precise pass from midfield. He added his second goal in the tenth minute, taking the score to 3-0.
The first quarter concluded with India leading 4-0 after Shilanand Lakra found the net in the 15th minute, following a well-executed one-two passing sequence with Sukhjeet Singh. The second quarter continued India’s goal-scoring spree, with Abhishek adding his name to the scoresheet in the 18th minute after receiving a pass from Mandeep Singh. Despite a brief delay caused by a stray dog entering the field and defecating on the turf, India maintained their offensive pressure.
Nilakanta Sharma increased India’s lead to 6-0 in the 26th minute with a powerful strike from the edge of the circle, assisted by Sukhjeet Singh and Abhishek. Bangladesh’s goalkeeper, Ashraful Shad, made several saves to deny the Indian forwards, but the relentless attacks proved too much for the Bangladeshi defense.
The third quarter saw India further extend their lead with multiple goals. Dilpreet Singh scored twice within a minute, the first from a rebound and the second with a tomahawk. Harmanpreet Singh then converted his second penalty corner of the match, bringing the score to 9-0. Jugraj Singh added to the tally early in the fourth quarter from India’s seventh penalty corner, making it 10-0.
Mandeep Singh completed his hat-trick in the 54th minute with a diving deflection. The Indian offense continued to push, with vice-captain Hardik Singh scoring a brace in the final minutes of the game. He converted a rebound from a penalty corner and then added a field goal seconds later to seal the dominant 13-0 victory for the defending champions.
India’s next fixture is against China on Thursday, while Bangladesh will face Malaysia in their subsequent match. The decisive win sets a strong tone for India’s title defense in the tournament.
❤️ Support Independent Journalism
Your contribution keeps our reporting free, fearless, and accessible to everyone.
Or make a one-time donation
Secure via Razorpay • 12 monthly payments • Cancel anytime before next cycle
(We don't allow anyone to copy content. For Copyright or Use of Content related questions, visit here.)
The Chenab Times News Desk
