India started their campaign in the eight-nation Under-21 men's hockey tournament by thrashing Poland 9-1 at Mochengladbach in Germany [Images] on Tuesday.

Diwakar Ram slammed in six goals as India ran roughshod over the hapless Poles at the Warsteiner Hockey Park.

Diwakar found the mark in the 10th, 15th, 22nd (penalty-corners), 28th, 50th and 62nd minutes, while J Singh(7th), P Kumar (53rd) and Chandi (58th) accounted for the other goals.

Dszyjczk scored the lone goal for the losing side. The Indians led 5-0 at half-time.

Belgium, England [Images], Malaysia, Netherlands, Spain and hosts Germany are the other teams in the competition.

India take on Spain tomorrow and Germany on August 10 in their remaining group matches. The tournament ends on August 12.

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