New Delhi, Aug. 14 -- 'Probably' playing in his last World Cup, Manpreet Singh is determined to guide the Indian men's hockey team to a podium finish, thus ending the 51-year drought in the 2026 edition in Belgium and the Netherlands. India are placed in Pool D alongside the likes of arch-rivals Pakistan, England and Wales. The Men in Blue start their campaign against Wales at the Wagener Stadium, Amstelveen on August 15.

Once a force to reckon with, India's three hockey World Cup medals came in the first three editions in 1971 (bronze in Barcelona), 1973 (silver in Amstelveen) and 1975 (gold in Kuala Lumpur). The two-time Olympic medallist, Manpreet, who will be playing in his fourth World Cup, said the tournament carries added signific...