As long as beginnings go to a World Cup campaign, the Indian men’s team couldn’t have asked for a better one, after what has been a testing year.
Under overcast skies in Amstelveen at the Wagener Stadion, a 3-1 scoreline against Wales reads comfortably but it came on the back of a workman-like display that would have pleased head coach Craig Fulton, who places great emphasis on defensive solidity.
Three Penalty Corner conversions, two from the stick of skipper Harmanpreet Singh, ensured the ‘new-look’ men in saffron capitalised on their dominance. On India’s 80th Independence day, there was plenty to cheer for a moderate Indian contingent in the stands, many travelling from all corners of the world.
AS IT HAPPENED | India vs Wales Highlights
The experienced all-star core of this Indian team was complemented by several first-time World Cuppers. Outfielders Rajinder Singh, Dilpreet Singh, Shilanand Lakra, and Aditya Lalege all impressed but it was another tournament debutant, goalkeeper Suraj Karkera, who had to make an immediate impact as early as the third minute.
Wales could have landed the first punch, when it penetrated the Indian circle to find Jack Pritchard with a great chance to score, but Suraj rushed off his line to smother his effort, fired low into the ground. His understudy, Mohith was shaky, and had a lucky escape when Pritchard rounded him but struck the post with a gaping goal to aim at.
India grew into the contest with midfielders Hardik Singh, Nilakanta Sharma and Manpreet Singh, maneuvering cleverly into spaces to push the Welsh into their own half. Hardik’s surging run to find Mandeep Singh earned India’s first PC.
It didn’t matter that skipper Harmanpreet, India’s short corner ace, was off the pitch. Defender Sanjay Rana, probably doesn’t pack quite the power from his dragpushes, but he made his second opportunity count in the eighth minute. Sanjay arrowed his PC to the right of Toby Reynolds-Cotterill, who was put off by Sukhjeet Singh’s jump in front of the ball. The sphere found its way between his feet and sounded the board.
On India’s 80th Independence day, there was plenty to cheer for a moderate Indian contingent in the stands, many travelling from all corners of the world.
| Photo Credit:
Hockey India/X
On India’s 80th Independence day, there was plenty to cheer for a moderate Indian contingent in the stands, many travelling from all corners of the world.
| Photo Credit:
Hockey India/X
The Indian fans had more reason to cheer soon after when Harmanpreet arrowed his dragflick to the right corner to double India’s advantage in the opening quarter.
India defended its lead with tenacious graft, not letting Wales to break forward with ease. Everytime the Welsh players tried to sprint upfield, a swarm of Indian players harried them, denying them space to play the key pass towards their forwards.
The forward line of Mandeep, Abhishek Nain and Sukhjeet also linked up like a dream without much luck in front of goal. For India’s third goal, Mandeep, playing his fourth World Cup, intercepted a pass before Abhishek found Sukhjeet inside the circle to win India’s seventh PC of the game in the third quarter.
Harmanpreet found his range once again, sending his dragflick into the board to leave Reynolds-Cotterill sprawled out on his back.
Wales’ enterprising endeavour was rewarded with a goal in the final minutes of the contest when Sam Welsh lifted the ball over Mohith, after a scramble at the goalline. That was the only sour point for India and it would hope it wouldn’t have to pay the price for it later in the tournament.
Published on Aug 15, 2026
