Bengal started their campaign, trouncing Haryana 17-0 in the first group league match of the under-13 national championship at Berhampore Stadium on Sunday. Sahil Sheikh a promising boy from Sundarban struck five goals including the hat-trick on the day.

Coach Partha Sen had appreciation for Sahil opining, "He has speed with and off the ball. His passing ability is also good when he plays from the deep. Still, he has to work hard in the future to overcome his short height."

Incidentally, age-verification of the participating footballers is being done before matches and questions have already come up on Manipur boys who look more than 13 years.