Antwerp (Belgium), Jul 14 (PTI) India's junior men's hockey team thrashed Ireland 5-0 in its opening match at the U-23 Five Nations Tournament here today.

After a goal-less first quarter, India found its momentum and as scored a splendid field goal in the 20th minute through Rajkumar Pal.

Mohd Umar doubled the lead in the 25th minute with an impressive field strike and three minute later Mohd Raheel converted a penalty corner to help India take a comfortable 3-0.

India's defence remained unbreakable with Irish forwards finding little space in the striking circle.

The Indians worked their way to fetch two more goals in the 32nd and 60th minutes through Shilanand Lakra and Mohd Raheel respectively.

India will next play Great Britain tomorrow.

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)