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FIH Hockey World Cup: The Indian men’s hockey team suffered a 1-3 defeat against co-hosts the Netherlands in their opening Pool E match of Stage 2 at the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026, leaving their semifinal hopes hanging by a thread.

The result moved the Netherlands to six points at the top of the pool, with three points added to the three they carried forward from the first stage, while India remain without a point. India’s next match is against Argentina, who are also yet to open their account.

England, who have three points, face Argentina later on Saturday. Should England win that encounter, India’s mathematical chances of reaching the semi-finals will come to an end.