Archive · 22 Aug 2026
Hardik Singh Blames Costly Lapse for India's World Cup Exit
India’s men’s hockey team wanted to reach the World Cup semifinals.
To do that, they needed to beat the Netherlands.
India started strongly but lost the match 1-3.
Two goals were conceded in the final quarter.
Hardik Singh said a very small mistake made a big difference.
Amit Rohidas also said the team made avoidable errors after defending well.
The players said they would learn from the defeat.
India will next play Argentina and then compete in classification matches.
India’s men’s hockey team lost 1-3 to the Netherlands and was eliminated from the FIH World Cup semifinal race.
Vice-captain Hardik Singh said a late “one per cent lapse” proved costly after India had done most things correctly.
India conceded two goals in the final quarter despite a strong first half and solid defending for 40 minutes.
Defender Amit Rohidas blamed unforced errors and said India made mistakes that allowed the Netherlands to take control.
India will play Argentina before entering the fifth-to-eighth-place classification matches.
- Who
- India’s men’s hockey team, vice-captain Hardik Singh, defender Amit Rohidas, and the Netherlands.
- What
- India lost 1-3 to the Netherlands and was eliminated from the FIH World Cup semifinal race.
- When
- The defeat was discussed on Saturday; India’s next match against Argentina is on Monday.
- Where
- The match was played against the Netherlands, described as the hosts; no specific venue was provided.
- Why
- India needed to win to reach the semifinals but conceded two late goals after making mistakes in the final quarter.
- Result
- Netherlands defeated India 3-1.
- Competition impact
- India was eliminated from the FIH World Cup semifinal race.
- Key explanation
- Hardik Singh said a “one per cent lapse” proved costly.
- Late goals
- India conceded two goals in the final quarter.
- Defensive performance
- Amit Rohidas said India’s defence held firm for the first 40 minutes.
- Next match
- India will play Argentina on Monday.
- Remaining matches
- India will then play fifth-to-eighth-place classification matches.