India beat Wales 3-1 in Hockey World Cup opener

India began their 2026 Men's Hockey World Cup campaign with a 3-1 victory over Wales in Amstelveen on Saturday. Captain Harmanpreet Singh scored two penalty-corner goals (11th and 43rd minutes), and Sanjay added another in the eighth minute. India converted three of five penalty corners they earned.

Wales, who raised over £38,000 through crowdfunding to participate, scored through Sam Welsh in the 56th minute after a melee in the Indian circle. India next face world No.3 England on Monday. Harmanpreet said the team needs to create more field goals. The win helped shift focus from pre-tournament talk about the team's new saffron kit back to on-field performance.