India began its campaign in the Junior Challenger Open hockey tournament in Poland with an emphatic victory, thrashing France 10-0 in their opening match in Gniezno, on Monday.

In other matches, defending champions Malaysia went down to Pakistan 2-4, while hosts Poland beat Germany 7-4.

The Indians, led by Prabodh Tirkey, converted five of the six penalty-corners they earned.

They led 4-0 at half-time.

The big win is a boost to India's prospects in the six-nation under-21 event, being played on round-robin format.

Tuesday is a rest day. Tomorrow, India will take on Germany, while France meet Malaysia, and Poland play Pakistan.

India had finished runners-up in the tournament in 2001, when it was played in Poznan. The event was won by Germany, who finished with 13 points. India had 10 points, while England, with eight, finished third.

Last year, Malaysia won the title. The tournament was held for under-18.

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