NEW DELHI: India thrashed Thailand 9-1 to open their campaign on a rousing note in the four-nation hockey tournament which began at Bangkok today.

The Indians, who led 3-0 at half-time struck through a brace from Samir Dad (9th min, 24th), Anil Aldrin (10th), Gagan Ajit Singh (38th), Sabu Varkey (44th), Tirumalvalavan (49th), Rajesh Chauhan (54th), Dilip Tirkey (55th) and Mohd Riaz (65th), according to results provided by AFP from Bangkok.N Nantsukon (50th) scored a consolation goal for the hosts.In the other match, Uzbekistan edged out Bangladesh 3-2 after going 1-0 at the break.

PK in, Dutta out

CALCUTTA: Mohun Bagan athletic club today appointed PK Banerjee as football coach of the club in place of Amal Dutta. Banerjee will take over from Nov 3, according to Mohun Bagan secretary Anjan Mitra.

Although the club did not cite any reason for the sudden change, club sources said Mohun Bagan's failure to capture the Calcutta Super Division league and the threesuccessive defeats within one month against arch rivals East Bengal proved to be the undoing of Amal Dutta.

Running festival

NEW DELHI: More than 7,000 youngsters participated in a 4 km Samsung Running Festival organised at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium as part of the send-off for the Indian contingent.

Nearly 4,000 runners completed the distance. Their effort turned into an extra US $4,000 for the Indian contingent. The sponsors Samsung had promised to contribute US $1 for every runner who completed the 4km course.