India made a winning start to their FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 campaign, defeating Wales 3-1 in their opening Pool D match at the Wagener Hockey Stadium here on Saturday.
Captain Harmanpreet Singh was the star of the contest, scoring twice from penalty corners, while Sanjay opened India’s account in the first quarter. Sam Welsh scored a late consolation goal for Wales, but India held on comfortably to claim three points.
Wales started brightly and created early opportunities, but goalkeeper Suraj Karkera remained alert to keep the Indian goal intact. India gradually took control and earned their first penalty corner in the seventh minute.
Sanjay’s initial drag-flick was blocked by the first rusher, but India were awarded a retake after the ball struck his foot. Sanjay made no mistake with the second attempt, beating goalkeeper Toby Reynolds-Cotterill to give India the lead in the eighth minute.
India doubled their advantage in the 11th minute after earning another penalty corner. Harmanpreet stepped up and produced a precise flick to make it 2-0.
India continued to dominate possession and territory, creating several opportunities in the remainder of the first half. Wales threatened on the counter, but goalkeeper Mohith HS made an important save in the 19th minute to deny Jack Pritchard. India went into half-time with a 2-0 lead.
Wales looked to respond after the interval, but India’s defence remained disciplined. India continued to exploit the flanks and stretch the Welsh defence while creating openings at the other end.
Harmanpreet added his second goal in the 43rd minute, once again converting a penalty corner with a powerful grounded flick to put India 3-0 ahead.
India continued to control the game in the final quarter and came close to extending their lead through Shilanand Lakra. Wales also earned a penalty corner in the 54th minute, but Mohith produced an excellent save to keep India’s two-goal cushion intact.
Wales finally pulled one back in the 56th minute when Sam Welsh scored amid a scramble in front of the Indian goal. Following a video referral to check for a possible backstick offence, the goal was upheld, reducing the deficit to 3-1.
India remained composed in the closing minutes and saw out the match without further damage to secure a convincing victory.
Harmanpreet, who was named Player of the Match, said India made a good start but would need to improve further in their next game.
“Overall, it was a pretty good game. All of us know the value of this World Cup and we have a clear mindset to win, and the belief is there. In our next game, we need to show more, create chances and score field goals as well,” he said.
India will next take on England in their second Pool D match at the same venue in Amstelveen on August 17.
(Inputs from Hockey India)
