India's men's hockey team kicked off their World Cup campaign with a dominant 3-1 victory against Wales in Pool D at the Wagener Stadion.
The Indian men’s hockey team opened its World Cup campaign on a strong note with a 3-1 victory over Wales in Pool D at the Wagener Stadion. Head coach Craig Fulton's side delivered a disciplined performance under overcast skies to secure all three points.
Wales threatened early, but goalkeeper Suraj Karkera made an immediate impact in the third minute by rushing off his line to smother Jack Pritchard's low attempt. Sporting new saffron jerseys, India soon seized control through clever midfield play.
Defender Sanjay Rana broke the deadlock in the eighth minute from a penalty corner, drag-pushing past Wales goalkeeper Toby Reynolds-Cotterill with help from Sukhjeet Singh's jump in front of the ball. Captain Harmanpreet Singh doubled the advantage in the 11th minute, arrowing a drag-flick into the right corner.
India continued to press, and after Mandeep's interception outside the Welsh circle led to a seventh penalty corner, Harmanpreet struck again in the 43rd minute to make it 3-0.
Wales earned a late goal in the 56th minute when Sam Welsh lifted the ball over goalkeeper Mohith H.S. following a goalline scramble. Next up, the Indian women’s hockey team is set to begin its Pool D campaign on Sunday against China.
Reporting sourced from The Hindu Hockey. Photo courtesy The Hindu Hockey.