# India Begin Hockey World Cup Against Wales Seeking First Title Since 1975

2026-08-15T08:36:36+00:00 | Sports | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 3 independent outlets

India begin their 2026 Men’s Hockey World Cup campaign against Wales in Amstelveen on August 15, seeking their first title since Ajit Pal Singh led them to gold in 1975. The team enter the tournament after Olympic bronze medals in Tokyo and Paris, and strong Pro League wins over Germany, the Netherlands, Pakistan and England. Former Pakistan captain Salman Akbar told Sports Now that India should reach the top eight, but warned the tougher tests will come later against contenders including the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Argentina, England and Australia. The tournament has a new progression format. Mathrubhumi reports that only pool winners move directly to the quarter-finals, while second and third-placed teams face crossovers.

## Coverage

- timesnownews.com <https://www.timesnownews.com/sports/hockey/exclusive-it-wont-be-easy-pakistan-great-warns-as-india-chase-hockey-world-cup-glory-article-155661582>
- english.mathrubhumi.com <https://english.mathrubhumi.com/sports/other-sports/india-vs-wales-2026-fih-hockey-world-cup-opener-amstelveen-vmspszud>
- newindianexpress.com <https://www.newindianexpress.com/sport/other/2026/Aug/15/indias-domestic-hockey-reforms-drove-olympic-success-pakistan-missed-out-salman-akbar>

Tags: Craig Fulton, England, Harmanpreet Singh, India, Pakistan, Wales
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