Chennai, Aug 4 Thrice champions India started its campaign on
a rousing note thrashing China 7-2 in its opening match of the Hero
Asian Champions Trophy Hockey Tournament here on Thursday night.
Putting up a dominating show, India struckthrice in the first two quarters
and added one more to complete a comprehensive 7-2 win after taking
the upper hand right from the moment it converted its first penalty corner
with a fine dag flick from Harmanpreet.
It turned out to be a one-horse race right from the start as the home
team had a majority of the ball possession, launching an all out attack
with deft passes and using the wings effectively, to keep the Chinese
defence on a tight leash.
It’s a thumping win for India in its first match and a great start for the
home team, which is eyeing for a fourth title and a place in Olympics.
Two goals each for Varun Kumar and skipper Harmanpreet Singh, while
Mandeep Singh, Sukhjeet Singh, and Akashdeep Singh scored one each.
China reduced the margin with two strikes in the second quarter.
Earlier, in other matches, Korea, trailing behind defeated Japan 2-1
and Malaysia humbled Pakistan 3-1.
