New Delhi, Aug 2026 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday congratulated the Indian men’s hockey team after their impressive 5-3 victory over Pakistan in the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2026 at the Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen, the Netherlands.
The high-intensity Pool D encounter saw India maintain their recent dominance over their traditional rivals, with captain Harmanpreet Singh and Abhishek scoring two goals each. Hardik Singh added another as India secured a place in the next stage of the tournament.
“Congratulations to Team India for defeating Pakistan in today’s match at the Hockey World Cup 2026,” Shah wrote on X.
“With spectacular command of the game and thrilling sporting skills, you have upheld India’s decade-long dominance. My best wishes for the matches to come,” he added.
India made an explosive start and took control of the contest during the opening quarter. Harmanpreet opened the scoring in the fifth minute through a penalty corner after sustained pressure around the Pakistan circle.
A dangerous ricochet following an Abhishek reverse effort earned India the penalty corner. Harmanpreet’s first drag-flick struck a defender’s foot, resulting in a retake. The Indian skipper made no mistake with his second attempt, sending a powerful flick past goalkeeper Ali Raza.
Abhishek then doubled India’s advantage in the 11th minute with a field goal before Harmanpreet struck again from a penalty corner in the 21st minute.
Abhishek added his second goal just three minutes later, putting India in a commanding position. Pakistan, however, refused to surrender and launched a spirited fightback.
Hannan Shahid converted penalty corners in the 22nd and 46th minutes, while Sufyan Khan scored another penalty-corner goal in the 24th minute. The three goals kept Pakistan within striking distance and increased the pressure on the Indian defence.
India responded effectively whenever Pakistan appeared to be gaining momentum. Hardik Singh restored India’s advantage in the 35th minute through a penalty stroke, giving the team greater breathing space.
The Indian side displayed composure in the final quarter, absorbing Pakistan’s attacking pressure and protecting its two-goal cushion until the final whistle.
India’s victory ensured that they finished second in Pool D, keeping their hopes of progressing to the semifinals alive. England topped the pool after recording three successive victories. Pakistan and Wales, meanwhile, moved into the classification phase.
The Indian team’s performance was marked by aggressive attacking play, particularly through the left flank, where they repeatedly created opportunities in the opening stages. Pakistan mounted several attacks after the interval, but India’s defensive organisation and ability to respond quickly helped them preserve their advantage.
The win once again underlined India’s strong record against Pakistan in international hockey and provided a major boost to the team’s campaign as the tournament enters its decisive stages.
