Hockey World Cup 2026: Harmanpreet, Abhishek shine as India continue dominance over Pakistan

India held off a late Pakistan fightback to secure a hard-fought victory in Amstelveen, booking their place in the World Cup second round. The win also extended their long unbeaten run against their arch-rivals and ended Pakistan's hopes of a medal.

New Delhi: Captain Harmanpreet Singh and striker Abhishek scored a brace each as India extended their decade-long dominance over arch-rivals Pakistan with a 5-3 victory in a thrilling FIH Hockey World Cup Pool D match in Amstelveen on Wednesday to qualify for the second round. The defeat has ended Pakistan’s campaign in the tournament.

Playing their first World Cup in eight years, Pakistan fought hard after conceding three goals, but Indian players held their nerve to seal a brilliant win in front of a packed Wagener Stadium. India and England advanced to the second round from Pool D, but the Indian team will carry no points into the next stage after losing to England in the first round.

The fiercely contested encounter marked the first World Cup meeting between the........

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