India began their Asian Games men’s hockey title defence in dominant fashion, thrashing Indonesia 13-1 in their opening Pool A match on Sunday.
Eight Indian players found the net, with Dilpreet Singh leading the scoring with four goals. Shilanand Lakra and Abhishek gave India a 2-0 lead in the opening quarter before the defending champions produced a remarkable second-quarter performance.
Dilpreet scored twice within two minutes before Rajinder Singh, Mandeep Singh and Harmanpreet Singh added goals as India went into half-time with a commanding 7-0 advantage. Harmanpreet also saw a penalty stroke saved by Indonesia goalkeeper Alam Fajar. Indonesia pulled one goal back early in the third quarter through captain Aulia Al Ardh, but India quickly restored their dominance.
Lakra scored again, Dilpreet completed his hat-trick and Sukhjeet Singh added another as India led 10-1 after three quarters. Dilpreet completed his four-goal performance in the 49th minute to cap an emphatic victory.
India will next face Sri Lanka in their second Pool A match on September 22 as they continue their bid to retain the Asian Games title.