Amstelveen, August 15, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Captain Harmanpreet Singh struck twice from penalty corners as India opened their FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2026 campaign with a confident 3-1 victory over Wales in their Pool D opener at the Wagener Hockey Stadium here on Saturday.
Sanjay Rana gave India the lead in the ninth minute before Harmanpreet converted another penalty corner to double the advantage. The skipper added his second goal in the third quarter, while Wales scored a late consolation goal.
Wales began aggressively and tested India early, with goalkeeper Suraj Karkera making important interventions. India gradually settled into the contest and earned two penalty corners, with Sanjay converting the second to put his side ahead.
Harmanpreet then showcased his trademark drag-flick to make it 2-0. Wales came close to reducing the deficit early in the second quarter when Pritchard went past the Indian goalkeeper, but his effort struck the near post.
India continued to dominate possession and threaten on the counter. Rajinder also came close towards the end of the second quarter, but his attempt from the edge of the circle went wide as India went into the interval with a two-goal cushion.
The third quarter largely followed the same pattern, with India’s defence keeping Wales from creating clear openings. Harmanpreet then completed his brace with another penalty-corner conversion, producing a precise drag-flick from the left to extend India’s lead to 3-0.
Wales kept pushing in the final quarter and Indian goalkeeper Mohith HS made a crucial save from Gareth Furlong’s powerful penalty-corner drag-flick.
The Welsh side eventually pulled one back in the 11th minute after a scramble inside the Indian circle. Although the ball appeared to have been stopped initially, Wales recovered it and forced it over the line. A video referral confirmed the goal.
India remained composed in the closing minutes to secure three points and make a winning start to their World Cup campaign.
India will next play England on Monday before facing Pakistan in their final Pool D match on August 19.
FOLLOW NOW
