India launched its FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2026 campaign with a 3-1 victory against Wales in the opening Pool D match at Wagener Stadium on Saturday. Sanjay and captain Harmanpreet Singh gave India the lead through two penalty-corner goals in the first quarter. Sanjay scored in the eighth minute, and Harmanpreet added another three minutes later. After the interval, India maintained control, and Harmanpreet converted a third penalty corner in the 43rd minute to make the score 3-0. Wales replied in the 55th minute when Sam Welsh found the net following a scramble in the circle. India’s defense stayed solid until the end to claim the points. The result places India at the top of Pool D ahead of its next game against England on August 17. India shares Pool D with England, Wales and Pakistan. The team last won the tournament in 1975 and finished ninth in 2023. It now aims for the title after recent Olympic bronzes, an Asia Cup win and other regional successes. Harmanpreet stated before the match that the squad is focused on ending a long title drought.
