Harmanpreet brace helps India beat Wales 3-1 in World Cup opener

India beat Wales 3-1 in their opening Pool D match at the Men's Hockey World Cup in Amstelveen on Saturday. Captain Harmanpreet Singh scored twice from penalty corners (11th, 43rd), and Sanjay added another in the 8th minute. All goals came from penalty corners. Wales, who crowdfunded to attend the tournament, pulled one back through Sam Welsh in the 56th minute.

Hindustan Times highlights India's defensive resilience under coach Craig Fulton. Sportstar notes that the team played on India's 80th Independence Day, with debutants and the new saffron kit impressing. Wales raised over £38,000 through crowdfunding, per Hindustan Times. India next face England on Monday.