India crush Bangladesh 13-0 in Asian Champions Trophy opener, Mandeep hits hat-trick

Neeraj Bali Chandigarh, Oct 27 (UNI) Defending champions India launched their Asian Champions Trophy hockey campaign with a commanding 13-0 victory over Bangladesh on Tuesday, underlining their status as title favourites as international hockey returned to Punjab after 17 years. Mandeep Singh struck a hat-trick, while captain Harmanpreet Singh, Dilpreet Singh and Hardik Singh scored twice each in a one-sided contest at the Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium. Amandeep Lakra, Abhishek, Nilakanta Sharma and Jugraj Singh also found the net as India overwhelmed Bangladesh with sustained attacking pressure. The five-time champions made their intentions clear from the opening minutes, with…