Amstelveen, Aug. 15 -- India began their FIH Men's Hockey World Cup 2026 campaign with a 3-1 victory over Wales in their opening Pool D match at the Wagener Stadium on Saturday.

Sanjay and captain Harmanpreet Singh put India in control with two penalty-corner goals in the first quarter. Sanjay opened the scoring in the eighth minute before Harmanpreet doubled the advantage three minutes later.

India continued to control proceedings after the break, and Harmanpreet scored his second of the match in the 43rd minute, converting another penalty corner to make it 3-0.

Wales eventually found a way through in the 55th minute, with Sam Welsh scoring after a scramble inside the circle. India's defence, however, held firm in the closing stages t...