India Draws Inspiration From 1975 Triumph Ahead of Wales Opener

The men's hockey World Cup of 2026 is being played in two countries, Belgium and the Netherlands.

India's hockey team, which has won eight Olympic gold medals, is one of the most successful teams in history.

Their first match is against Wales, and it will be played at a stadium in a Dutch town called Amstelveen.

This year is very special for India because it is exactly 50 years since they won the World Cup for the first time, in 1975.

India's coach, Craig Fulton, says that old victory gives the team real motivation.

He says the players have been training to stay consistent and make smart decisions under pressure.

Wales is proud to be at the World Cup, and this is the second time in a row that they have qualified.

England and Pakistan are in the same group too, so the competition will be tough.

Both India and Wales really want to win their first match to get off to a good start.