Defending champions India opened the Hero Asian Champions Trophy Punjab 2026 with a 13-0 win over Bangladesh in Jalandhar on Tuesday, with Mandeep Singh scoring a hat-trick and Nilakanta Sharma announcing his international retirement after the match.
India began the defence of their Hero Asian Champions Trophy title with a commanding 13-0 win over Bangladesh at the Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium in Jalandhar on Tuesday, in front of a home crowd welcoming international hockey back to Punjab.
Captain Harmanpreet Singh opened the scoring in the second minute with a penalty-corner drag-flick, and Mandeep Singh doubled the lead a minute later. Mandeep completed his hat-trick with goals in the 3rd, 10th and 54th minutes. Harmanpreet, Dilpreet Singh and Hardik Singh scored twice each, while Shilanand Lakra, Abhishek, Nilakanta Sharma and Jugraj Singh added one each. India led 6-0 at half-time.
The evening ended on an emotional note as Nilakanta Sharma announced his retirement from international hockey, with this tournament his last appearance in the India jersey.
The match followed an opening ceremony showcasing Punjab's cultural traditions, with Bhangra, Gidha and Gatka performances, music and a laser show. Entry was free for spectators.
India are chasing a sixth Asian Champions Trophy title and a third in a row, having won in Chennai in 2023 and in Hulunbuir, China, in 2024. Former captain Manpreet Singh missed the opener through a calf injury and was replaced in the squad by Vivek Sagar Prasad.
Elsewhere on the opening day, Malaysia beat China 5-4 and Japan beat South Korea 3-2. India top the early standings on goal difference and next face China on October 29, with league matches in Jalandhar until November 2 before the semi-finals and medal matches move to Mohali on November 4 and 5.
People Sentiments Public Mood: Positive
- Harmanpreet Singh said India would not take any opponent lightly and every team was there to win
- Fans waved the tricolour throughout the match
- Nilakanta Sharma announced his retirement after the match, closing his international career