India hit 13 past Bangladesh in one sided Asian Champions Trophy opener

India thrashed Bangladesh 13-0 in the opening match of the Asian Champions Trophy in Jalandhar, Punjab, on Tuesday, a heavier defeat than the 10-0 loss Peter Gerhard’s side suffered against the hosts at the most recent Asian Games.

Bangladesh were not due to compete after finishing seventh at the Asian Games, but earned a place when Pakistan withdrew. They last played in the competition in 2021, in Dhaka, finishing fifth, and have returned this time after missing two editions.

Bangladesh conceded four goals in the first quarter at the Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium. Harmanpreet Singh scored from a penalty corner in the second minute and Mandeep Singh doubled the lead a minute later, before Mandeep and Shilanand Lakra added two more.

Abhishek and Nilakanta scored in the second quarter to make it 6-0 at half time for India, five time champions of the competition. The difference in class was clear, with India eighth and Bangladesh 27th in the International Hockey Federation rankings.

Bangladesh could not keep the ball out of their goal after the interval either, and the margin kept growing. Dilpreet Singh scored twice in the third quarter and Harmanpreet Singh added another, taking India to 9-0 with the contest long since decided.

Peter Gerhard’s side conceded four more goals in the fourth quarter before leaving the field heavily beaten. The result repeats the pain of the Asian Games meeting in Aichi Nagoya, Japan, where Bangladesh lost 10-0 to the same opponents.

Bangladesh face Japan in their second round robin match on Thursday, and must find a quick response. Japan beat them 6-1 at the Asian Games, so a more resilient showing would be a welcome start for the side.