India maul Sri Lanka in Jr Asia Cup hockey opener

Satbir Singh scored four goals as India opened their campaign in the Junior Asia Cup hockey tournament defeating neighbours Sri Lanka 11-0, in Malacca, Malaysia, on Friday.

Satbir (21st minute, 29th, 39th and 44th) struck twice in each half, while skipper Akashdeep Singh (3rd, 62nd), Lokesh Thimmaiah (34th, 51st), Amit Rohidas (6th), Malak Singh (27th) and Prithdeep Singh (67) accounted for the other goals.

Defending champions India dominated the proceedings completely, leaving the Lankans in disarray. However, the Lankans packed their defence after conceding two early goals and till midway through the first half were successful in containing the Indians.

The Indian forwards struck early form with captain Akashdeep sending the ball inside the net in the third minute.

Satbir Singh increased the lead after some quick run downs and then found the net at regular intervals.

Elated at having started their campiagn on a resounding note, skipper Akashdeep said: "We had a good opening match and it is always good to start off with a big score. We have achieved this, and am happy about the result," he said.

However coach Baljit Singh Saini was not enthused and said the team could have played better and scored more goals.

"A coach is never satisfied no matter how big the win is. It is same today. We should have scored more goals as we had many penetrations into their circle. What is the point in dominating and then missing the chances? We should have been more aggressive upfront," he said.

Saturday is rest day for India. They take on Pakistan on Sunday.