The India men’s hockey team dished out a dominant performance to launch its title defence with a commanding 3-0 win over hosts China in the Asian Champions Trophy here on Sunday.

Sukhjeet Singh (14th minute), Uttam Singh (27th) and Abhishek (32nd) were the goal-scorers for India.

Coming into the tournament after securing a second successive bronze at the Olympics, India looked the more enterprising side, grabbing opportunities up front and was rock solid in defence.

“I think we played very well. We created some good chances but the best part is that we kept a clean sheet,” captain Harmanpreet Singh said.

“Some new faces got an opportunity to perform and I think they played very well. It’s a good opportunity for them to play with the Asian teams and gel with the senior team. They are skilful and very talented,” he said.

India were slow off the blocks as China created an early counterattack opportunity but an alert Krishan Pathak saw the ball sailwide harmlessly.

India pegged China back in the last few minutes of the quarter, registering a few circle entries. But no clear chance was made until Jugraj Singh thundered the ball into the shooting circle and Sukhjeet deflected it into the top corner to make it 1-0 for India.

In the second quarter, India began controlling the tempo of the game. With minutes to go for the half-time break, Uttam doubled the lead for India, slotting a stray ball into the net after Raheel’s close range shot was battered away.

India came out swinging in the third quarter. Manpreet found Abhishek at the top of the circle, who rifled the ball to sound the backboard on the half turn and make it 3-0 for his side.

In other matches, Malaysia held Pakistan 2-2 while Japan and Korea engaged in a goal-fest before settling for a 5-5 draw.