MANDEEP Singh returned to formwithafine hat-trick as fivetime champions India hammered minnows Bangladesh 13-0 to starttheir title defence at the Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament on arousing note hereonTuesday. Mandeep struck in the third, 10th and 54th minutes,while skipperHarmanpreetSingh (2nd, 44th),DilpreetSingh (43rd, 44th) and vice-captain Hardik Singh (60th, 60th) scored abrace each. Shilanand Lakra(15th), Abhishek (18th), Nilakanta Sharma (26th) and Jugraj Singh (46th)weretheotherIndian goal scorersinthe lop-sided match at the Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium.

 

It was completely one-way traffic as play was mostly inside the Bangladeshhalf with India dominating the proceedings from the onset. India secured their firstpenalty corner from their first circle entryandHarmanpreet gavethe hoststhe lead with apowerful lowflick in the second minute. Aminute later,Harmanpreet was againinstrumentalinIndia’s second goal. The skipper’s defence-splitting pass from the midfieldwasneatlypickedupby Mandeep on the top of the circleand thestriker thenunleashed afierce hit to doubleIndia’s lead. India extended their lead in the 10th minute when Harmanpreet’slongscoopfound Abhishek inside the circle.