Asian Champions Trophy: India outplay China, begin title defence in style

Hulunbuir (China): The Indian men's hockey team launched its title defence with a commanding 3-0 win over hosts China in the Asian Champions Trophy here on Sunday.

Sukhjeet Singh (14th minute), Uttam, Singh (27th) and Abhishek (32nd) were the goal-scorer for India.

Coming into the tournament after securing a second successive bronze at the Olympics, India looked the more enterprising side. The Indians grabbed the opportunities up front and were rock solid in defence to emerge winners.

Sukhjeet put India ahead at the stroke of the first quarter before Uttam Singh doubled the lead just three minutes before the end of the second quarter as they went into half-time 2-0 up.

Just two minutes after resumption, Abhishek found the back of the net with a spectacular reverse hit.

India will play Japan in their second pool one match on Monday.

Last year, India won the tournament at home, making them the only team to clinch four titles in the history of the event.

In other matches, Malaysia held Pakistan 2-2 in a high-voltage contest, while Japan and Korea engaged in a goal-fest before settling for a 5-5 draw.