India vs Wales Live Score, Men’s Hockey World Cup 2026: India’s World Cup opener against Wales on Independence Day has given the team’s campaign an added emotional dimension, but head coach Craig Fulton knows that emotion alone will not be enough to secure a winning start. With India expected to dominate against the underdogs, Fulton has urged his players to stay disciplined, respect Wales and maintain complete concentration throughout the match.

Fulton believes the opening game is particularly important in a tournament as demanding as the World Cup. India want to “hit the ground running” and collect all three points, preferably with a convincing performance that establishes momentum for the matches ahead. At the same time, the coach has warned that Wales will provide a tough challenge if India allow their focus to drop.

The Independence Day setting has added to the sense of responsibility within the squad. Fulton described the occasion as one of national pride and said the players want to make the country proud by beginning their campaign strongly. The team will therefore be looking to combine the significance of the occasion with the tactical discipline required at the World Cup level.

Harmanpreet Singh has placed particular emphasis on consistency. The captain said India have worked hard and analysed all their opponents in depth before arriving at the tournament. Although they are facing Wales after a long gap, he believes the team understands their style and is confident after a strong final training session.

Harmanpreet also underlined the importance of every pool match, rejecting the idea that India can afford to look beyond Wales because of the upcoming Pakistan fixture. His message is simple: take one game at a time and give 100 per cent.

The captain also believes India have evolved since their Paris Olympic bronze medal, with the defence looking more solid and the overall approach becoming smarter. The next step is converting promising situations into decisive opportunities. Harmanpreet admitted mistakes are inevitable but said the team has focused heavily on sustaining concentration across all four quarters.

India’s hockey legacy provides another source of motivation. After ending a long wait for an Olympic medal, Harmanpreet wants the side to leave no stone unturned in its World Cup pursuit. His hope is that India can turn the Independence Day occasion into another memorable celebration by producing a strong start and eventually bringing home a medal.