Harmanpreet Singh-led India suffered a 3-1 defeat against hosts Netherlands in their opening Pool E match of the second round at the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup at the Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen on Saturday (Aug 22). The loss has made India’s path to the semi-finals more difficult, while the Netherlands booked their place in the last four with the win.&nbsp;The hosts took control of the match with goals from Duco Telgenkamp, Tjep Hoedemakers and Thijs van Dam. Harmanpreet Singh scored India’s only goal.&nbsp;The Netherlands started strongly, with Telgenkamp opening the scoring and putting pressure on the Indian defence. India created several attacking chances but struggled to turn them into goals.&nbsp;Harmanpreet then equalised to give India hope of a comeback. However, the Dutch team continued to dominate and regained their lead through Hoedemakers before van Dam added another goal to make it 3-1.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-hull-city-stun-manchester-united-2-0-for-first-ever-win-over-red-devils-1787409257588">Premier League: Hull City stun Manchester United 2-0 for first-ever win over Red Devils</a>&nbsp;India tried to fight back in the final stages and created opportunities, but they could not break through the Netherlands defence.&nbsp;Also Read -<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/building-momentum-to-get-back-neeraj-chopra-reacts-after-season-best-88-05m-throw-at-diamond-league-1787403126731">'Building momentum to...': Neeraj Chopra reacts after season-best 88.05m throw</a>&nbsp;The victory helped the Netherlands top Pool E and secure a semi-final spot. India are still in the race but will now need favourable results in the remaining matches to keep their hopes alive.&nbsp;India will look to recover in their next game as they continue their World Cup campaign.

Despite a disciplined defensive display and a late penalty-corner goal from captain Harmanpreet Singh, India lost 3-1 to the Netherlands after late goals from Thijs Hoedemakers and Thijs van Dam sealed the Dutch victory.

Harmanpreet Singh-led India suffered a 3-1 defeat against hosts Netherlands in their opening Pool E match of the second round at the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup at the Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen on Saturday (Aug 22). The loss has made India’s path to the semi-finals more difficult, while the Netherlands booked their place in the last four with the win. The hosts took control of the match with goals from Duco Telgenkamp, Tjep Hoedemakers and Thijs van Dam. Harmanpreet Singh scored India’s only goal. The Netherlands started strongly, with Telgenkamp opening the scoring and putting pressure on the Indian defence. India created several attacking chances but struggled to turn them into goals. Harmanpreet then equalised to give India hope of a comeback. However, the Dutch team continued to dominate and regained their lead through Hoedemakers before van Dam added another goal to make it 3-1. Also Read - Premier League: Hull City stun Manchester United 2-0 for first-ever win over Red Devils India tried to fight back in the final stages and created opportunities, but they could not break through the Netherlands defence. Also Read -'Building momentum to...': Neeraj Chopra reacts after season-best 88.05m throw The victory helped the Netherlands top Pool E and secure a semi-final spot. India are still in the race but will now need favourable results in the remaining matches to keep their hopes alive. India will look to recover in their next game as they continue their World Cup campaign.

Despite a disciplined defensive display and a late penalty-corner goal from captain Harmanpreet Singh, India lost 3-1 to the Netherlands after late goals from Thijs Hoedemakers and Thijs van Dam sealed the Dutch victory.

FIH Hockey World Cup 2026: India suffer 1-3 defeat to Netherlands in second round

India outclassed arch-rivals Pakistan 5-3 to qualify for round two of the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup on Wednesday (Aug 19). Led by goals from drag-flick specialist Harmanpreet Singh, Abhishek and Hardik Singh, India completed a comprehensive win over Pakistan in front of a packed crowd at the Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen. For the Men in Green, Hannan Shahid scored a brace, and Sufyan Khan netted one, but all in vain. While this was India’s second win in their third match in this competition, Pakistan lost twice and drew once. &nbsp;Earlier in the day, England smashed Wales 8-2 to comprehensively top the group. With that result, England advanced to the second round, with India joining them. The hosts, the Netherlands and one of Belgium or Argentina will cruise through to the next round from Group A.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indian-womens-hockey-team-crush-south-africa-6-1-fih-world-cup-pool-d-1787065791366">India thrash South Africa 6-1 to secure first win at Women's Hockey World Cup</a> &nbsp;Coming back to this marquee India vs Pakistan match, veteran Harmanpreet Singh opened the scoring for his country by converting a penalty corner into a goal in the fifth minute, handing India an early lead. Abhishek made it 2-0 for India six minutes later (in the 11th minute) with a superb play down the inside left. With two goals up inside the first quarter, India looked poised to sit in the driver’s seat throughout the game. &nbsp; &nbsp;Harmanpreet didn’t take long before making it 3-0 in India’s favour by converting another PC into a clinical goal. He tried a cheeky pass off the corner before it returned to Harmanpreet, only for him to smash one from close range. &nbsp;A minute later, Hannan Shahid scored a brilliant field goal, making it 3-1. In the 24th minute, India and Pakistan scored a goal each. While Abhishek netted one following another sensational dribble in the goalmouth, Sufyan smashed home a drag-flick from Pakistan’s first PC to make it 4-2. Two quick goals from Pakistan dragged the momentum in their favour heading into halftime. &nbsp;Later in the third quarter, which India owned, Hardik Singh’s penalty stroke gave India a 5-2 lead before another field goal from Hannan Shahid, his second of the day, saw Pakistan net their third and final goal. Pakistan pressed and created chances in the final quarter, but it was too late; they lost the match and got knocked out of the tournament.&nbsp;

India defeated arch-rivals Pakistan 5-3 in their Pool D clash to qualify for the second round of the FIH Men's Hockey World Cup in Amstelveen. 

India outclassed arch-rivals Pakistan 5-3 to qualify for round two of the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup on Wednesday (Aug 19). Led by goals from drag-flick specialist Harmanpreet Singh, Abhishek and Hardik Singh, India completed a comprehensive win over Pakistan in front of a packed crowd at the Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen. For the Men in Green, Hannan Shahid scored a brace, and Sufyan Khan netted one, but all in vain. While this was India’s second win in their third match in this competition, Pakistan lost twice and drew once. Earlier in the day, England smashed Wales 8-2 to comprehensively top the group. With that result, England advanced to the second round, with India joining them. The hosts, the Netherlands and one of Belgium or Argentina will cruise through to the next round from Group A. Also read | India thrash South Africa 6-1 to secure first win at Women's Hockey World Cup Coming back to this marquee India vs Pakistan match, veteran Harmanpreet Singh opened the scoring for his country by converting a penalty corner into a goal in the fifth minute, handing India an early lead. Abhishek made it 2-0 for India six minutes later (in the 11th minute) with a superb play down the inside left. With two goals up inside the first quarter, India looked poised to sit in the driver’s seat throughout the game. Harmanpreet didn’t take long before making it 3-0 in India’s favour by converting another PC into a clinical goal. He tried a cheeky pass off the corner before it returned to Harmanpreet, only for him to smash one from close range. A minute later, Hannan Shahid scored a brilliant field goal, making it 3-1. In the 24th minute, India and Pakistan scored a goal each. While Abhishek netted one following another sensational dribble in the goalmouth, Sufyan smashed home a drag-flick from Pakistan’s first PC to make it 4-2. Two quick goals from Pakistan dragged the momentum in their favour heading into halftime. Later in the third quarter, which India owned, Hardik Singh’s penalty stroke gave India a 5-2 lead before another field goal from Hannan Shahid, his second of the day, saw Pakistan net their third and final goal. Pakistan pressed and created chances in the final quarter, but it was too late; they lost the match and got knocked out of the tournament.

India defeated arch-rivals Pakistan 5-3 in their Pool D clash to qualify for the second round of the FIH Men's Hockey World Cup in Amstelveen.&nbsp;

India outclass Pakistan 5-3 to qualify for second round at FIH World Cup

Indian men’s hockey veteran and ace goalie, PR Sreejesh, feels the upcoming contest between India and Pakistan at the FIH Hockey World Cup will lack zeal, only because Pakistan hasn’t been the opposition it used to be, with the Men in Blue miles ahead. While the two-time reigning Olympic bronze medalists India have taken significant strides in fitness, strength, game awareness and decision-making, Pakistan has lagged in these aspects. Sreejesh said that unlike old times, when restricting Pakistan from scoring late was a regular challenge for India, the current squad would tear through their defence for fun. &nbsp;“Matches against Pakistan are not as tough as they used to be. Conceding goals in the last quarter or final minutes used to be a problem for us, but that is no longer the case. Now, we are the ones scoring late to win matches,” Sreejesh said on JioHotstar ahead of the India-Pakistan Hockey World Cup match on Wednesday (Aug 19).&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indian-womens-hockey-team-crush-south-africa-6-1-fih-world-cup-pool-d-1787065791366">India thrash South Africa 6-1 to secure first win at Women's Hockey World Cup</a> &nbsp;“Earlier, during the 35-minute halves, we used to make mistakes due to fitness or poor decision-making and let in goals. But since the four-quarter system came in, and even before that, we made big improvements in our fitness, strength, game awareness, and decision-making,” the former Indian captain continued.&nbsp; &nbsp;“The Indian men’s hockey team has been playing a new formation for the past year and a half. That formation mostly forces us into defence, but in the recent Pro League, we pushed up and pressed hard in many matches,” Sreejesh noted India’s formation and style of play at the World Cup.<h2>High Demand at Amstelveen</h2>India-Pakistan matches across sports garner unparalleled attention, and this occasion is no different. The Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen, which has a seating capacity of 10,000, will be packed for this high-octane clash. The latest reports suggest that the tickets for this match were sold in phases last year.&nbsp; &nbsp;“Tickets were sold online from September 2025. We have sold them in phases, with the first phase in September and the next one in March this year,” Tamara Bouwmans, communication officer of the Royal Dutch Hockey Association (KNHB), told PTI.

PR Sreejesh downplays the India-Pakistan rivalry ahead of their FIH Hockey World Cup clash, stating the Men in Blue have moved far ahead of their regional rivals.

Indian men’s hockey veteran and ace goalie, PR Sreejesh, feels the upcoming contest between India and Pakistan at the FIH Hockey World Cup will lack zeal, only because Pakistan hasn’t been the opposition it used to be, with the Men in Blue miles ahead. While the two-time reigning Olympic bronze medalists India have taken significant strides in fitness, strength, game awareness and decision-making, Pakistan has lagged in these aspects. Sreejesh said that unlike old times, when restricting Pakistan from scoring late was a regular challenge for India, the current squad would tear through their defence for fun. “Matches against Pakistan are not as tough as they used to be. Conceding goals in the last quarter or final minutes used to be a problem for us, but that is no longer the case. Now, we are the ones scoring late to win matches,” Sreejesh said on JioHotstar ahead of the India-Pakistan Hockey World Cup match on Wednesday (Aug 19). Also read| India thrash South Africa 6-1 to secure first win at Women's Hockey World Cup “Earlier, during the 35-minute halves, we used to make mistakes due to fitness or poor decision-making and let in goals. But since the four-quarter system came in, and even before that, we made big improvements in our fitness, strength, game awareness, and decision-making,” the former Indian captain continued. “The Indian men’s hockey team has been playing a new formation for the past year and a half. That formation mostly forces us into defence, but in the recent Pro League, we pushed up and pressed hard in many matches,” Sreejesh noted India’s formation and style of play at the World Cup. High Demand at Amstelveen India-Pakistan matches across sports garner unparalleled attention, and this occasion is no different. The Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen, which has a seating capacity of 10,000, will be packed for this high-octane clash. The latest reports suggest that the tickets for this match were sold in phases last year. “Tickets were sold online from September 2025. We have sold them in phases, with the first phase in September and the next one in March this year,” Tamara Bouwmans, communication officer of the Royal Dutch Hockey Association (KNHB), told PTI.

PR Sreejesh downplays the India-Pakistan rivalry ahead of their FIH Hockey World Cup clash, stating the Men in Blue have moved far ahead of their regional rivals.

‘Pakistan matches are no longer tough’: Sreejesh downplays rivalry ahead of Hockey World Cup clash

India’s women’s hockey team opened their FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 campaign with a 2-2 draw against Olympic silver medallists China at the Wagner Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen on Sunday (Aug 16). India started well, earning a penalty corner in the fifth minute after Lalremsiami made a good run into the circle. Navneet’s first attempt was blocked, but she soon found the breakthrough.&nbsp;&nbsp;In the eighth minute, Neha’s pass from a free hit reached Navneet, who finished first-time to give India a 1-0 lead.&nbsp;China equalised in the 15th minute after Shilpi Dabas was penalised for bringing down an opponent inside the circle. Zhang Ying converted the resulting penalty stroke to make it 1-1.&nbsp;India regained the lead in the 26th minute, as Deepika made a fine run down the right, entered the circle and won a penalty corner before taking it herself. Her drag-flick hit a Chinese defender and went into the net. After a video review, the goal was confirmed, putting India 2-1 ahead.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sl-vs-ind-1st-test-padikkal-jurel-shine-as-india-dominate-rain-hit-day-2-1786885140397">SL vs IND, 1st Test: Padikkal, Jurel shine as India dominate rain-hit Day 2</a>&nbsp;China came out strongly after half-time and put India under pressure. Baljeet made an important save in the 32nd minute, while Savita also kept China from scoring. However, China found the equaliser in the 39th minute when Ma Ning scored from a penalty corner with a powerful drag-flick.&nbsp;The final quarter saw both teams searching for the winning goal. India came close through Navneet and Lalremsiami, while Bichu Devi Kharibam made several crucial saves to keep China from taking the lead.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rahmat-shah-breaks-record-for-highest-odi-score-by-afghanistan-captain-1786879415016">Rahmat Shah breaks record for highest ODI score by Afghanistan captain</a>&nbsp;Neither side could score again and the match ended 2-2, giving India a valuable point against the Olympic silver medallists.&nbsp;India will next face South Africa on Tuesday (Aug 18), followed by their final Pool match against England on Aug 20.

India began their Hockey World Cup campaign with a hard-fought 2-2 draw against Olympic silver medallists China in Amstelveen.

India’s women’s hockey team opened their FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 campaign with a 2-2 draw against Olympic silver medallists China at the Wagner Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen on Sunday (Aug 16). India started well, earning a penalty corner in the fifth minute after Lalremsiami made a good run into the circle. Navneet’s first attempt was blocked, but she soon found the breakthrough. In the eighth minute, Neha’s pass from a free hit reached Navneet, who finished first-time to give India a 1-0 lead. China equalised in the 15th minute after Shilpi Dabas was penalised for bringing down an opponent inside the circle. Zhang Ying converted the resulting penalty stroke to make it 1-1. India regained the lead in the 26th minute, as Deepika made a fine run down the right, entered the circle and won a penalty corner before taking it herself. Her drag-flick hit a Chinese defender and went into the net. After a video review, the goal was confirmed, putting India 2-1 ahead. Also Read - SL vs IND, 1st Test: Padikkal, Jurel shine as India dominate rain-hit Day 2 China came out strongly after half-time and put India under pressure. Baljeet made an important save in the 32nd minute, while Savita also kept China from scoring. However, China found the equaliser in the 39th minute when Ma Ning scored from a penalty corner with a powerful drag-flick. The final quarter saw both teams searching for the winning goal. India came close through Navneet and Lalremsiami, while Bichu Devi Kharibam made several crucial saves to keep China from taking the lead. Also Read - Rahmat Shah breaks record for highest ODI score by Afghanistan captain Neither side could score again and the match ended 2-2, giving India a valuable point against the Olympic silver medallists. India will next face South Africa on Tuesday (Aug 18), followed by their final Pool match against England on Aug 20.

India began their Hockey World Cup campaign with a hard-fought 2-2 draw against Olympic silver medallists China in Amstelveen.

FIH Hockey World Cup 2026: Indian women begin campaign with 2-2 draw against China

India started their FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2026 campaign with a 3-1 win over Wales in their opening Pool D match at the Wagener Stadium on Saturday (Aug 15). India took control early, with Sanjay and captain Harmanpreet Singh scoring from penalty corners in the first quarter. Sanjay opened the scoring in the eighth minute, while Harmanpreet added another three minutes later to give India a 2-0 lead.&nbsp;India remained dominant after the break and Harmanpreet scored his second goal in the 43rd minute by converting another penalty corner. Wales pulled one back in the 55th minute when Sam Welsh scored following a scramble inside the circle.&nbsp;India’s defence stayed strong in the final stages to secure all three points.&nbsp;The victory puts India at the top of Pool D and they will next face England on Aug 17. India are grouped alongside England, Wales and arch-rivals Pakistan.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-sl-1st-test-devdutt-padikkal-hits-maiden-test-century-as-india-dominate-day-1-1786800976195">IND vs SL, 1st Test: Devdutt Padikkal hits maiden Test century as India dominate Day 1</a>&nbsp;India won their only World Cup title in 1975, beating Pakistan 2-1 in the final. They finished ninth in the 2023 edition in Bhubaneswar and will be hoping to end their long wait for another World Cup triumph.&nbsp;The team enters the tournament with confidence after winning back-to-back Olympic bronze medals, the Asia Cup and two Asian Champions Trophy titles.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/80-years-countless-milestones-india-s-sporting-journey-since-1947-1786796880051">80 years, countless milestones: India’s sporting journey since 1947</a>&nbsp;Before the opening match, Harmanpreet spoke about India’s determination to end their World Cup drought. Speaking to JioStar, he said the tournament is a major opportunity, particularly for the senior players in the squad.&nbsp;“The World Cup means a lot to all of us because after this World Cup, you never know what might happen. There are several senior players in the team as well, so for us, this is a great opportunity,” Harmanpreet said.

Harmanpreet Singh’s India began their Hockey World Cup campaign with a convincing 3-1 win over Wales on Independence Day, with the captain scoring twice to help the team make a strong start.

India started their FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2026 campaign with a 3-1 win over Wales in their opening Pool D match at the Wagener Stadium on Saturday (Aug 15). India took control early, with Sanjay and captain Harmanpreet Singh scoring from penalty corners in the first quarter. Sanjay opened the scoring in the eighth minute, while Harmanpreet added another three minutes later to give India a 2-0 lead. India remained dominant after the break and Harmanpreet scored his second goal in the 43rd minute by converting another penalty corner. Wales pulled one back in the 55th minute when Sam Welsh scored following a scramble inside the circle. India’s defence stayed strong in the final stages to secure all three points. The victory puts India at the top of Pool D and they will next face England on Aug 17. India are grouped alongside England, Wales and arch-rivals Pakistan. Also Read - IND vs SL, 1st Test: Devdutt Padikkal hits maiden Test century as India dominate Day 1 India won their only World Cup title in 1975, beating Pakistan 2-1 in the final. They finished ninth in the 2023 edition in Bhubaneswar and will be hoping to end their long wait for another World Cup triumph. The team enters the tournament with confidence after winning back-to-back Olympic bronze medals, the Asia Cup and two Asian Champions Trophy titles. Also Read - 80 years, countless milestones: India’s sporting journey since 1947 Before the opening match, Harmanpreet spoke about India’s determination to end their World Cup drought. Speaking to JioStar, he said the tournament is a major opportunity, particularly for the senior players in the squad. “The World Cup means a lot to all of us because after this World Cup, you never know what might happen. There are several senior players in the team as well, so for us, this is a great opportunity,” Harmanpreet said.

Harmanpreet Singh’s India began their Hockey World Cup campaign with a convincing 3-1 win over Wales on Independence Day, with the captain scoring twice to help the team make a strong start.

FIH Hockey World Cup 2026: India celebrate Independence Day with 3-1 win over Wales

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FIH Hockey World Cup 2026: India suffer 1-3 defeat to Netherlands in second round

India outclass Pakistan 5-3 to qualify for second round at FIH World Cup

Hockey WC: ‘Pakistan matches are no longer tough' - Sreejesh downplays rivalry

Hockey World Cup 2026: Indian women begin campaign with 2-2 draw against China

FIH Hockey World Cup: India celebrate Independence Day with 3-1 win over Wales