KARACHI: Pakistan started their Asian Hockey Champions Trophy campaign in style, trouncing Oman 8-3 in the opening match on Thursday in Doha, Qatar.

Shakeel Abbasi scored three goals while Waqas Sharif scored two and Abdul Haseem, Mohammad Rizwan (sr) and Mohammad Imran scored one apiece as the Greenshirts overcame Oman with ease.

The tournament comprises six top teams from Asia - Pakistan, China, India, Oman, Malaysia and Japan.

Pakistan will face China next on Friday, December 21.

Meanwhile, defending champions India also got off to a fine start by beating China 4-0 with goals from V Raghunath, SV Sunil and Bimal Lakra.

Pakistan are firm favourites to win the Asian event after a successful Champions Trophy where they clinched a bronze medal by beating India in the play-off.