2 weeks ago
Harmanpreet Singh-led India kicks off World Cup quest against Wales
The Indian men's hockey team is playing in a big tournament called the FIH World Cup.
Their first game is against Wales on Saturday.
India wants to win the World Cup for the first time in 51 years.
The last time India won it was in 1975.
The team is captained by a player named Harmanpreet Singh, who is very good at scoring from penalty corners.
Their coach, Craig Fulton, says the team wants to write its own history.
India has won bronze medals at the last two Olympic Games.
England and Pakistan are also in their group, and matches against them will be tough.
The players hope a good tournament will make their country proud.
India opens its FIH World Cup 2026 campaign against Wales on Saturday, aiming to end a 51-year title drought dating back to 1975.
India's only World Cup triumph came in 1975, when Ajit Pal Singh's team beat Pakistan in the final in Kuala Lumpur.
Eighth-ranked India faces 15th-ranked Wales first, with tougher pool clashes against England (August 17) and Pakistan (August 19) to come.
Coach Craig Fulton has blended experience and youth, leaning on veterans like Manpreet Singh and Harmanpreet Singh while eight players make their World Cup debut.
India enters the World Cup after bronze medals at the last two Olympic Games and an Asia Cup title in Rajgir, with goalkeepers Mohit HS and Suraj Karkera replacing the retired PR Sreejesh.
- Who
- India's men's hockey team, captained by Harmanpreet Singh and coached by Craig Fulton, against Wales.
- What
- The opening match of India's FIH World Cup 2026 campaign, as the team seeks its first World Cup title since 1975.
- Where
- FIH World Cup 2026 (the tournament venue is not specified in the articles).
- When
- Saturday, at 4:30 PM IST, followed by pool matches against England on August 17 and Pakistan on August 19.
- Why
- To start the tournament strongly and end India's 51-year World Cup title drought.
Key facts
- Fixture
- India vs Wales, FIH World Cup 2026 opening match, Saturday, 4:30 PM IST
- World Rankings
- India 8th; Wales 15th
- Captain
- Harmanpreet Singh
- Head Coach
- Craig Fulton
- Last World Cup Title
- 1975, beating Pakistan in the final in Kuala Lumpur
- Title Drought
- 51 years
- Upcoming Matches
- Pool: England (August 17), Pakistan (August 19); Asian Games next month for Los Angeles Olympics qualification
- Most-Capped Player
- Manpreet Singh — 417 international appearances
Quotes
Harmanpreet Singh
Captain of the Indian men’s hockey team
“First match is very important in a tournament like the World Cup. Our emphasis is to make sure that we hit the ground running and are able to get three points convincingly.”
news18.com
“We have worked really hard for this tournament, having analysed all the teams deeply. We are playing against Wales after a long time but their style remains the same.”
news18.com
Sources
Related news
FIH Hockey World Cup: India Beat Wales 3-1 in Opener
India Draws Inspiration From 1975 Triumph Ahead of Wales Opener
India begin Hockey World Cup with 3-1 win over Wales
India begin Hockey World Cup campaign against Wales in Amstelveen
Harmanpreet Singh: India Believe We Can Win Hockey World Cup
India Aim To Continue Undefeated Streak Against Wales
Mehrajuddin Wadoo named India U17 football head coach
Hydroponic Ganja Worth Rs. 3 Crore Seized at Chennai Airport
India U17 Women Set Goa Friendlies Before Asian Cup Qualifiers
India Drawn Into Group E for AFC U-17 Qualifiers
Former Malaysian Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Charged Over Asset Declaration
