Hockey
Netherlands strikes thrice to down India 3-1 in the FIH Men's Hockey World Cup
Harmanpreet Singh scored India's lone goal.
Indian hockey team skipper Harmanpreet (Photo credit: Hockey India)
The Indian men's hockey team suffered a 1-3 defeat to Olympic champions the Netherlands in their opening Phase 2 match of the FIH Men's Hockey World Cup 2026 at the Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen on Saturday.
After a goalless first half, the Netherlands took control in the third quarter when Duco Telgenkamp broke the deadlock in the 41st minute.
India responded through captain Harmanpreet Singh, who converted a penalty corner in the 52nd minute to briefly give his side hope of a comeback.
However, the Netherlands quickly restored their advantage. Tjep Hoedemakers put the hosts back in front in the 51st minute before Thijs van Dam added a third in the 55th minute to seal the victory.
India had made a disciplined start to the contest, with both sides creating openings but neither able to find the breakthrough in the opening 30 minutes. Dutch goalkeeper Derk Meijer also produced an important save to deny Dilpreet Singh from close range in the second quarter.
The result leaves India in a difficult position in Pool E, with the Netherlands securing their place in the semi-finals.
India had entered Phase 2 after finishing second in Pool D. They opened their World Cup campaign with a 3-1 victory over Wales, followed it with a 2-4 defeat to England and then beat arch-rivals Pakistan 5-3 to qualify for the next stage.
The Netherlands, meanwhile, carried strong momentum into Phase 2 after winning all three of their Pool A matches.
India will now need results to go their way in their remaining Phase 2 fixtures if they are to keep their semi-final hopes alive.