Dhaka: Defending champions Bangladesh Girls Football team made a flying start in the AFC U-14 Girls Regional (South and Central) Championship beating stronger India by 3-1 goals in a Group B match at Aviator Stadium in Dushanbe, Tajikistan on Tuesday.

Bangladesh dominated the first half by 2-0 goals. Tohura Khatun struck twice in the 35^th and 48^th minutes and Maria Manda netted the other goal for Bangladesh in the 43^rd minute.

Sunita Munda scored the consolation goal for India in the 50^th minute.

Bangladesh Under-14 Girls team, which safely reached Tajik capital Dushanbe Friday night, will play their remaining Group B match against Nepal on Thursday at the same venue.

In the last edition, Bangladesh clinched the title beating hosts Nepal by 1-0 goal in the final after playing draw with India.

Bangladesh U-14 Girls team: Rupna Chakma, Marzia (captain), Shamsunnhar, Nazma, Anai Mogini, Nilufa Yesmin Nila, Maria Manda, Monika Chakma, Anuching Mogini (Laboni Akter) Tohura Khatun and Sajeda Khatun (Akhi Khatun).