India made a winning start to their FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2026 campaign, defeating Wales 3-1 at the Wagener Stadion in Amstelveen on Saturday.
Captain Harmanpreet Singh led the way with two penalty-corner goals as India produced a disciplined performance to secure three points. Defender Sanjay Rana opened the scoring in the eighth minute, converting India’s second penalty corner with a powerful drag-flick.
Harmanpreet then doubled India’s advantage in the opening quarter, finding the right corner with another precise drag-flick. India controlled much of the contest thereafter, with Hardik Singh, Nilakanta Sharma and Manpreet Singh helping the team dominate possession and territory.
India continued to create opportunities and earned their seventh penalty corner in the third quarter. Harmanpreet once again found the target, sending his drag-flick into the board to make it 3-0.
Wales continued to show attacking intent and eventually pulled one goal back in the closing minutes. Sam Welsh lifted the ball over goalkeeper Mohith following a scramble near the goal-line.
India’s defensive structure remained strong for most of the match, while debutant goalkeeper Suraj Karkera made an early impact by denying Jack Pritchard from close range.
The victory gives India an ideal start to their World Cup campaign under head coach Craig Fulton. However, the late goal conceded will be an area for the team to address as the tournament progresses.
The win came on India’s 80th Independence Day, adding to the significance of the opening victory.
