Mumbai sent home their supporters fully satisfied as they slammed in seven goals in each half. Captain Priya Manjeshwar (2), Melanie D'Souza (2) and Smithali Satham were the other goal-getters. While the last three, products of St Joseph's School, Vikhroli, provided the local flavour, it was the north-easterner Chanu, a Commonwealth Games squad member and Western Railway employee, who stole the scene.

It was massacre of the innocents at Mahindra Stadium as fancied teams had their say in the proceedings and notched up tall victories in all five matches of the opening day.

PUNJAB SENT HOME: The only surprise of the day came in the two-team Pool C encounter where Karnataka humbled formidablePunjab with two goals in each half. Karnataka, who employed the 5-3-2-1 formation to a nicety, impressed in attack where inners Kumari V and Christy were a source of inspiration in both attack and defence.

Kumari scored a brace in the second session after Sindhu Koppa had given them the lead with two first-half goals. Karnataka coach LR Janardhan Rao revealed that his team had beaten this same Punjab squad in the sub-junior Nationals three years ago. Karnataka became the first team to enter the quarter-finals, while Punjab, losing their only match, return home.

UTTAR PRADESH ROUT TN: UP had things their own way when trouncing Tamil Nadu 6-0 in a Pool B tie. Vandana Yadav (2), Mridula (2), Priya Singh and Moni Sonkar were the goal-getters.

MAHAKOSHAL IMPRESS: Mahakoshal, a district from MP, raised eyebrows when trouncing Pondicherry 9-0 in Pool D. Swati Singh (3), Shilpi Yadav (2) Satinder Kaur (3) and Rajni Sangher were the scorers. Kerala scored a comfortable 2-0 victory over Vidharbha.Susan K and Anitha K scored in that order.

GLITTERING START: The Nationals saw a glittering opening ceremony today. Former Punjab DGP Jules Ribeiro, the chief guest, declared the games open after fifteen colourful teams, comprising of young women, had lined up for a swearing in ceremony. The setting was colourful, alive, the fresh green BHA turf the perfect backdrop. Mumbai's Police band showed they were in touch with the times, serving up a cocktail of Ricky Martin Latino and Veer Savarkar bhajans. School children from Durello Convent and Gnyana Bodhini performed, drummers drummed, and the crowds just loved it. Among those present were the legendary hockey star Balbir Singh, BoB chairman S Kannan, BHA president DS Bakshi, and former and present women's hockey stars. Bombay Women's Hockey Association deserve every praise for the fine show.