India launched their Asian Champions Trophy 2026 title defence in emphatic fashion, thrashing Bangladesh 13-0 in their opening preliminary-round match in front of a passionate home crowd in Jalandhar, Punjab.
Hometown hero Mandeep Singh stole the spotlight with a memorable hat-trick, while captain Harmanpreet Singh, vice-captain Hardik Singh and Dilpreet Singh scored two goals each.
Shilanand Lakra, Abhishek Nain, Nilakanta Sharma and Jugraj Singh also found the net as the defending champions delivered a commanding performance.
The match marked the return of international hockey to Punjab after 17 years, making India’s emphatic victory an even more special occasion for the home crowd.
India have sent a strong early message to their rivals with a dominant start to their title defence.
