India opened their FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2026 campaign in style, defeating Wales 3-1 in their Pool D opener at the Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen on Saturday.
Captain Harmanpreet Singh led from the front with two goals, while Sanjay also found the net as India collected three valuable points. All three of India’s goals came from penalty corners.
The victory gives India an ideal start to their World Cup campaign as they look to end a long wait for the men’s hockey title.
Sanjay, Harmanpreet put India in command
India wasted little time establishing control. Sanjay opened the scoring in the eighth minute, converting a penalty corner to give India an early advantage.
Just three minutes later, Harmanpreet doubled India’s lead with another successful penalty-corner conversion.
India entered the second quarter with a 2-0 advantage and continued to control the contest. The team created pressure and kept Wales from finding a way back into the game.
Harmanpreet then struck again in the 43rd minute, completing his brace through another penalty corner and putting India 3-0 ahead.
Wales pull one back late
Wales eventually found a breakthrough in the final quarter.
Sam Welsh scored in the 55th minute after a scramble inside the Indian circle, reducing the deficit to 3-1.
India, however, remained composed during the closing stages and protected their lead to secure all three points.
The win also gives Harmanpreet and his teammates early momentum in a Pool D that includes England and Pakistan alongside Wales.
India face England next
India will now turn their attention to England, with the two teams scheduled to meet on August 17.
England also made a strong start to the tournament, defeating Pakistan 4-1, setting up an important Pool D clash with India.
India’s men’s team entered the tournament determined to end a 51-year wait for another Hockey World Cup title. Their only World Cup triumph came in 1975, when India defeated Pakistan 2-1 in the final.
The team finished ninth at the 2023 World Cup in Bhubaneswar and will be hoping for a significantly stronger campaign this time.
Harmanpreet: World Cup is a major opportunity
Ahead of the tournament, Harmanpreet highlighted the significance of the World Cup, particularly with several experienced players in the squad.
The captain said the tournament represents a major opportunity for the team and stressed the importance of making the most of the campaign.
India’s recent record includes back-to-back Olympic bronze medals, an Asia Cup title and two Asian Champions Trophy triumphs, giving the team plenty of experience to draw on as they chase World Cup success.
For now, India have taken the first step with a convincing 3-1 win over Wales. The England test will provide a much tougher examination of their title ambitions.
