India [ Images ] began its campaign in the Junior Challenger Open hockey tournament in Poland with an emphatic victory, thrashing France [ Images ] 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 [ Images ] 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 [ Images ], with eight, finished third.

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

Complete coverage