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New Delhi. On the occasion of India's 80th Independence Day, the Indian Hockey Team gifted a spectacular victory to the countrymen. India made a winning start by defeating Wales 3-1 in the Men's Hockey World Cup. Captain Harmanpreet Singh performed brilliantly and scored two goals. Now the next match of the Indian team will be against England on 17th August.

In the beginning of the match, Wales played aggressively and put pressure on India. Pritchard created several good chances, but Indian goalkeeper Suraj Karkara made brilliant saves to prevent Wales from taking an early lead.

India took the lead from penalty corner

India slowly started gaining control of the match. Sunil scored India's first goal by converting a drag-flick from a penalty corner. After this, captain Harmanpreet Singh showed excellent coordination with Sanjay and scored the second goal through a brilliant drag-flick at the penalty corner. India took a 2-0 lead.

Shilanand Lakra got injured

India dominated the first quarter. Hardik Singh's fast pace and Germanpreet Singh's all-round game kept the pressure on the Wales defence. During this time, Indian forward Shilanand Lakra got injured. The game was stopped briefly after blood was seen on the field. After first aid, Shilanand returned to the dugout.

Harmanpreet scored the third goal

Wales tried to make a comeback in the second quarter. Pritchard's shot hit the pole of the goal post and went out. For India, Abhishek also got a chance to score a goal, but he was not successful. After this, captain Harmanpreet Singh took the responsibility and scored the third goal to increase India's lead to 3-0.

Wales opened their account with a penalty stroke

Wales got a chance to make a comeback when the umpire took a TV review and gave Wales a penalty stroke after an incorrect stick tackle. Indian goalkeeper Mohit HS tried his best to stop the ball, but the ball had crossed the goal line. Sam scored for Wales after the TV umpire's replay confirmed it.

After this, India did not give any more chance to Wales and won the match 3-1. With the win, India made a great start to its World Cup campaign.