Host India made a sizzling start to their campaign at the 7th Mens Asian Champions Trophy Hockey Tournament, registering a thumping 7-2 win against China at Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium in Chennai, Tamil Nadu today.

Harmanpreet Singh and Varun Kumar scored a brace each, while Sukhjeet Singh, Akashdeep Singh and Mandeep Singh entering their names on the scoreboard.

Ace forward Mandeep Singh achieved a personal milestone as he scored his 100th international goal. India mid-fielder Manpreet Singh was awarded as the Player of the Match.

India defenders Amit Rohidas and Sumit were felicitated by Udhayanidhi Stalin Minister of Tamil Nadu State Youth Welfare and Sports Development for doning 150 and 100 caps for the Indian National Team.

International Hockey Federation (FIH) President Dato Tayyab Ikram, Hockey India President Dr Dilip Kumar Tirkey and Hockey India Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh were present on the occasion.

Earlier in the first two matches of the of the opening day, defending champions Korea came from behind to beat Japan 2-1, while Malaysia outplayed Pakistan 3-1.

RESULTS:

August 3 (Match 1): Korea (Cheoleon Park 26-FG, Junghoo Kim 35-FG) beat Japan (Ryoma Ooka 6-FG) 2-1. PoM: Jigwang Hyun (Korea).

August 3 (Match 2): Malaysia (Firhan Ashari 28-FG, 29-FG; Silverius Shello 44-FG) beat Pakistan (Abdul Rehman 55-FG) 3-1. PoM: Firhan Ashari.

August 3 (Match 3): India (Harmanpreet Singh 5-PC, 8-PC; Sukhjeet Singh 15-PC, Akashdeep Singh 16-FG, Varun Kumar 19-PC, 30-PC; Mandeep Singh 40-PC) beat China (E Wenhui 18-FG, Gao Jiesheng 25-PC) 7-2. PoM: Manpreet Singh (India).
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PHOTO: Tamil Nadu Sports Development Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin felicitates Odisha and India defender Amit Rohidas for getting the opportunity to play his 150th international match at the Champions Trophy Tournament against China in Chennai on 3 August 2023.