NEW DELHI, Aug 23: India’s hopes of reaching the semifinals of the 2026 Men’s Hockey World Cup suffered a major setback after the team went down 3-1 to the Netherlands in their crossover round encounter.
The defeat leaves India facing a difficult route to the last four after the Netherlands took control of the contest with a disciplined tactical display.
India, led by captain Harmanpreet Singh, struggled to deal with the Dutch side’s attacking pressure and defensive organisation. The result highlighted areas of concern at the back as India failed to maintain the consistency required against one of the tournament’s strongest teams.
The Dutch team controlled crucial phases of the match and converted their opportunities effectively, leaving India chasing the game for long periods.
Cricket great Rahul Dravid was among those watching from the stands as India attempted to secure a place in the semifinal stage. However, the Indian side could not produce the response required after falling behind.
The loss has significantly reduced India’s chances of progressing further in the competition. The team will now need a strong result in its remaining opportunity while also relying on other results to keep its semifinal hopes alive.
The tournament is being played from August 14 to August 30, with the Netherlands among the teams challenging for the title. India’s campaign had begun with encouraging performances, but the latest defeat has exposed the fine margins separating the leading sides at the World Cup.
