Kolkata: The Indian men’s hockey team, led by Harmanpreet Singh, begins its FIH World Cup 2026 campaign against Wales on Saturday, determined to end a 51‑year title drought dating back to 1975.
India’s last and only World Cup triumph came in 1975, when Ajit Pal Singh’s team defeated Pakistan in the final in Kuala Lumpur.
“We want to write our own piece of history in Indian hockey,” coach Craig Fulton said ahead of the tournament, acknowledging the weight of the legacy while insisting that his players must create their own story rather than live in the shadow of 1975.
The country previously won bronze in 1971 and silver in 1973.
More than five decades later, the current generation believes it has the experience, depth and belief to change that record.
India enters the tournament with genuine optimism. The country won bronze medals at the Tokyo Olympics, ending a 41-year wait for an Olympic medal, and followed it with another bronze at the Paris Games.
The challenge now is to replicate that consistency on the World Cup stage.
“We have come here with the same passion, mindset and preparation,” captain Harmanpreet had said.
“There is no pressure to win a medal in the World Cup; rather, it is our responsibility.” The opening assignment against 15th-ranked Wales appears favourable on paper for eighth-ranked India, but coach Craig Fulton’s side knows that a strong start is essential.
England, ranked third in the world, and Pakistan, ranked 12th, await later in the pool, making every point valuable.
After a disappointing eighth-place finish in the nine-team Pro League last season, the team found its rhythm in the last phase of the European leg, defeating reigning world and European champions Germany and Olympic champions the Netherlands.
The Asia Cup title in Rajgir has also strengthened belief within the squad.
Fulton has opted for a blend of experience and youth after trying out 33 players during the 2025-26 Pro League season.
Veteran midfielder Manpreet Singh, India’s most-capped player with 417 international appearances, provides leadership and composure, while eight players are set to experience the World Cup for the first time.
With PR Sreejesh having retired after the Paris Olympics, the responsibility in front of the goal now rests with the younger Mohit HS and Suraj Karkera.
At the other end, Harmanpreet’s penalty corner expertise remains one of India’s biggest attacking weapons, with experienced defender Amit Rohidas expected to provide stability alongside him.
The midfield will revolve around Manpreet and Hardik Singh, while the attacking line will look towards Abhishek and Mandeep, who is only 12 matches away from 300 caps.
Mental conditioning coach Paddy Upton, who was part of India’s 2011 Cricket World Cup-winning campaign and later worked with the hockey team at the Paris Olympics, believes the squad is equipped to handle the pressure of a long tournament.
On the other hand, playing its second consecutive World Cup, Wales has prepared for the tournament by playing practice games against England, Australia and Spain and will be eager to produce an upset.
For India, a victory would provide momentum before the much tougher pool clashes against England on August 17 and arch-rivals Pakistan on August 19.
A strong showing would also provide valuable momentum ahead of next month’s Asian Games, where India will chase gold and a qualification spot for the Los Angeles Olympics.
To have one of the world’s best dragflicker in the team has to be counted among strengths. Harmanpreet has been delivering goals from his dragflicks for years and he will want to do the same in the upcoming tournament.
There is a slight concern with regards to his form. He scored only once in the last eight Pro League games in Europe, and he had to miss earlier matches in the season due to a finger injury. Over the last two years, his body took a beating due to multiple injuries, but he has regained fitness and looks set to make an impact, like he did at the Paris Olympics.
There are also talented attacking players in Abhishek, Shilanand and Rajinder. All three have been impressive over the last year or two, with Abhishek being the main threat when it comes to scoring field goals. Fulton will hope all three will step up and deliver consistently.
The main concern has been defence, including set-piece defending. In the last two seasons of Pro League, the team haven’t looked as solid as previously. The retirement of the legendary PR Sreejesh and Krishan Pathak’s loss in form became an issue in the goalkeeping department.
Fulton’s style is based on a strong defensive setup and quick counterattack, but the team struggled to play to their core principles, which affected their results. There have been structural issues off the ball, including tiredness due to a gruelling schedule as well as making mistakes in key moments. They have been guilty of conceding way too many penalty corners while also struggling to convert their chances.
Fulton has noted however, that the squad have taken the lessons from their previous games and worked on those areas during their camp.
Who are India’s opponents in group stage?
India have been placed in Pool D along with Wales, England and Pakistan. They will play each other once and the top two will qualify for the second round.
The teams in Pool A are Netherlands, Argentina, New Zealand, Japan. Pool B will feature Belgium, Germany, France and Malaysia. Pool C will see Australia, Spain, Ireland and South Africa.
India’s schedule for FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2026
Aug 15: India vs Wales, 4:30 p.m. at Wagener Hockey Stadium.
Aug 17: India vs England, 6:30 p.m. at Wagener Hockey Stadium.
Aug 19: India vs Pakistan, 6:30 p.m. at Wagener Hockey Stadium.
Indian Squad for FIH Hockey World Cup 2026
Goalkeepers: Mohith HS, Suraj Karkera.
Defenders: Jarmanpreet Singh, Harmanpreet Singh (c), Amit Rohidas, Jugraj Singh, Sanjay, Sumit, Yashdeep Siwach.
Midfielders: Rajinder Singh, Aditya Arjun Lalage, Hardik Singh, Manpreet Singh, Nilakanta Sharma, Vivek Sagar Prasad.
Forwards: Dilpreet Singh, Shilanand Lakra, Sukhjeet Singh, Mandeep Singh, Abhishek.
Where will the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 be telecast in India?
In India, the the World Cup will be telecast on Star Sports and JioHotstar.
