India Hammer Bangladesh 13-0 as Mandeep Singh Stars in Asian Champions Trophy Hockey

India launched their title defence at the Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament in spectacular fashion, thrashing Bangladesh 13-0 as forward Mandeep Singh rediscovered his scoring touch with a hat-trick at the Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium on Tuesday.

The five-time champions dominated from the opening whistle, overwhelming Bangladesh with relentless attacks and clinical finishing. Captain Harmanpreet Singh, vice-captain Hardik Singh and Dilpreet Singh scored twice each to complement Mandeep’s three-goal performance.

Harmanpreet opened the scoring in the second minute, converting India’s first penalty corner with a powerful low flick. A minute later, he set up Mandeep with a precise pass that the forward converted to double India’s lead.

Mandeep struck again in the 10th minute after Abhishek created the opportunity. Shilanand Lakra made it 4-0 just before the end of the first quarter following a neat exchange with Sukhjeet Singh.

Abhishek added another goal in the 18th minute, while Nilakanta Sharma scored with a powerful tomahawk shot in the 26th minute to give India a commanding 6-0 half-time lead.

Bangladesh goalkeeper Ashraful Shad produced several saves, but India’s attacking pressure continued after the break. Dilpreet scored twice in the 43rd and 44th minutes before Harmanpreet added his second goal.

Jugraj Singh converted a penalty corner in the 46th minute, while Mandeep completed his hat-trick in the 54th minute with a diving deflection off Aditya Lalage’s pass.

Hardik then struck twice in the final minute, including a rebound from a penalty corner, to complete the emphatic victory.

India will next face China on Thursday, while Bangladesh take on Malaysia.