Mumbai: Title contenders Haryana began their campaign on a fluent note as they thrashed Jharkhand 10-0 in the (U-21) hockey competition here at the Mumbai Hockey Association Stadium on Tuesday.
In another Pool ‘B’ fixture Odisha defeated a spirited challenge from Maharashtra 6-3.
Haryana reduced the match against Jharkhand to a no-contest as they scored at will and led 4-0 at half time. The score-line would have been much higher but for several missed chances.
Skipper Mandeep Mor with three goals was the top scorer for Haryana, while Abhishek, Mohit (two each), Jasbir Antil, Deepak and Pankaj were the other goal-scores.
Odisha dominated the proceedings in the early stages of the game and led 3-1 at half time but Maharashtra put up an improved display in the second session. However, it was a case of too little and too late.
For Odisha Abhisekh Lakra scored three goals while Amit Chirmako, Krishna Tirkey and Ashis Topno chipped in with a goal each.
Harish Shindgi, Malhari Chavan and Rohan Patil scored for Maharashtra.
In Pool A, Punjab won their second consecutive match by defeating Uttar Pradesh 1-0. The all-important goal was scored by Harmanjit Singh, who converted a penalty corner in the 57th minute.
In the U-17 section, Odisha rode on Sudeep Chirmako’s four goals to outplay Maharashtra 7-0 to record their second successive win in Pool A.
Odisha, who beat Uttar Pradesh 3-1 in their opener, outplayed the hosts in all departments of the game and dominated the proceedings. They led 3-0 at half time.