Archive · 30 Aug 2026
Harmanpreet Says India Must Improve Defense After Eighth-Place Finish
India’s hockey team finished eighth at the World Cup.
They played Belgium in their final classification match.
Belgium was ahead 3-2 near the end of the game.
Harmanpreet Singh scored with 26 seconds left to make the teams play a shootout.
India eventually lost the shootout 3-4.
Harmanpreet said the team was happy with its performance against Belgium but unhappy with eighth place.
He also said India must defend better against the best teams.
The team will now focus on the Asian Games.
India finished eighth at the FIH World Cup after losing 3-4 to Belgium in a penalty shootout.
Harmanpreet Singh said India’s defense needs significant improvement, particularly against top teams.
Belgium led 3-2 until Harmanpreet scored from a penalty corner with 26 seconds remaining.
Harmanpreet scored eight goals during the tournament.
India’s next major target is the Asian Games, according to the captain.
- Who
- India, led by captain Harmanpreet Singh, played Belgium.
- What
- India finished eighth at the FIH World Cup after losing 3-4 to Belgium in a penalty shootout.
- When
- Friday; Belgium’s lead was canceled out with 26 seconds left in regulation time.
- Where
- The match was played in Wavre, Belgium.
- Why
- India’s result highlighted defensive shortcomings, and Harmanpreet said the team must improve against the world’s top sides.
- Final placing
- India finished eighth at the FIH World Cup.
- Opponent
- Belgium, one of the tournament’s co-hosts and a former champion.
- Result
- Belgium defeated India 3-4 in a penalty shootout.
- Late equalizer
- Harmanpreet converted a penalty corner 26 seconds before the hooter.
- Harmanpreet’s tournament goals
- Eight goals.
- Main concern
- India needs to improve its defense, especially against top teams.
- Next target
- The Asian Games.