JCT, Phagwara, started their National Football League campaign on a winning note, defeating a hapless Indian Bank 3-0 in Chennai on Monday.

Former India captain I M Vijayan, who retired from international football last month, was played a leading role in the victory.

Indian Bank were expected to provide stiff competition to the Punjab team but missed their three Sri Lankan recruits, who are busy assisting their country in the Olympic qualifier in Lahore.

However, former International Syed Sabir Pasha and Bihar's Amjad Khan did create a few ripples in the closing minutes but without any result.

JCT, who were without the services of Jo Paul Ancheri, always called the shots and were well-supported by seasoned Ghanian goalkeeper Mansuru Mohammad, who thwarted the bankmen at least on two occasions.

The Punjab team took lead in the 12th minute. Following a free-kick just outside the left of the box by Rampal, Bank goalkeeper Felix Edward charged out but failed to collect the ball. Vijayan sold a 'dummy' and Stephen Abarowei booted the ball home.

Seven minutes later, Vijayan's forward pass was fully utilised by Sukhjinder Singh and in the 69th minute Chanranjit Singh, substituting for Vijayan, made it 3-0.