AMSTELVEEN, Aug 16: India began their FIH Hockey World Cup campaign with a 3-1 victory over Wales in their opening Pool D encounter at the Wagener Hockey Stadium.
India quickly established control of the match, with Sanjay opening the scoring in the eighth minute. Captain Harmanpreet Singh then converted his opportunity three minutes later to put India 2-0 ahead.
Wales attempted to fight their way back into the contest and eventually reduced the deficit following a video review. India, however, remained composed and continued to create pressure in the attacking third.
Harmanpreet restored India’s two-goal advantage in the 43rd minute, completing his brace and giving the team greater breathing room heading into the closing stages.
The Indian defence successfully protected the lead as Wales struggled to find another opening. The victory gives India three valuable points and an encouraging start in Pool D.
India’s opening performance will also provide confidence ahead of their next World Cup assignment as they seek to make a deep run in the tournament.
With the competition being held in Belgium and the Netherlands, the Indian team will aim to build on its opening result and maintain momentum in the group stage.