Hockey World Cup live updates, India vs Wales: (Hockey India Photo)

Captain Harmanpreet Singh scored twice while Sanjay scored once as India beat Wales 3-1 to start off their campaign in the men’s Hockey World Cup. India were as dominant as expected, although Wales seemed to be slowly growing into themselves as the second quarter wore on. India couldn’t find a way to add to their lead in the second quarter.

Harmanpreet then scored again in the 43rd minute and Wales then managed to score towards the end of the match through Sam Welsh. India next face England on August 17 but before that, the Indian women’s team start their campaign in the Women’s World Cup with a match against China on August 16.

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SCROLL DOWN FOR HIGHLIGHTS OF INDIA VS WALES, HOCKEY WORLD CUP: 

Live Updates

The Harmanpreet factor: Why India need their captain firing at the World Cup

By the time India’s players assemble in a semicircle at the top of the ‘D’ on a June morning in Bengaluru, their training jerseys are already drenched in sweat.

Manpreet Singh crouches to receive the injection from vice-captain Hardik Singh. Rajinder Singh readies himself to flick, while Yashdeep Siwach, Abhishek Nain and Shilanand Lakra take up positions around the circle.

Everyone is present for India’s penalty-corner drills. Almost. Well, almost. India’s captain, and the team’s great big-match weapon, Harmanpreet Singh is instead stretched out on the physio’s table in the dug-out. READ MORE.

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