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India thrash Bangladesh 13-0 to open Asian Champions Trophy defence
In 60 seconds: Defending champions India beat Bangladesh 13-0 in their Asian Champions Trophy opener in Jalandhar on Tuesday. Mandeep Singh scored a hat-trick, and captain Harmanpreet Singh, Dilpreet Singh and Hardik Singh scored two each. India led 6-0 at half-time. It is the first international hockey event in Punjab in 17 years. India play China next on Thursday.
Why it matters
A big home win sets the tone for India's title defence and brings top-level hockey back to its Punjab heartland.
Explain it simply
Thirteen customers served before the rival stall even opens. That's how one-sided this match was.
The 3-minute read
What happened
The other scorers were Shilanand Lakra, Abhishek, Nilakanta Sharma and Jugraj Singh. Nilakanta Sharma has announced his retirement; this tournament is his last for India. The match was at the Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium.
Background
India have won the tournament five times. On the opening day, Malaysia beat China 5-4 and Japan beat South Korea 3-2.
How it works
The six teams play a single round-robin in Jalandhar until 2 November, and the top four reach the semi-finals.
What's next
India face China on 29 October. The semi-finals are on 4 November and the final on 5 November in Mohali.
What it means for you
Follow India's next games against China, Japan, Korea and Malaysia; the Mohali knockouts are a chance to see the national team live.
Key numbers
- 13-0: India's win over Bangladesh
- 6-0: Half-time score
- 17 years: Since Punjab last hosted international hockey
- 5 Nov: Final, in Mohali
Both sides
- India: A strong start in front of home fans sets up the title defence.
- Rivals: Tougher tests against Japan, Korea, Malaysia and China lie ahead.
Key terms explained
- Hat-trick
- Three goals by one player in a single match.
- Defending champions
- The team that won the previous edition.
The story so far
- 2024: India win a record fifth Asian Champions Trophy. In 2024 India beat hosts China 1-0 in the final in Hulunbuir to win the Asian Champions Trophy for a record fifth time.
- Today: India beat Bangladesh 13-0
Exam notes (UPSC, SSC, Banking, PSC)
- India have won the men's Asian Champions Trophy a record five times.
- A hat-trick in hockey means one player scoring three goals in a match.
- Jalandhar's Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium is named after a former India defender.
- Hockey's world body is the FIH, based in Lausanne, Switzerland.
Likely exam question: How many times has India won the men's Asian Champions Trophy, and which city hosts the 2026 final?