More than half a century after India last stood on top of the men’s hockey world, another generation will begin its attempt to end the wait when Harmanpreet Singh’s side faces Wales in its opening FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2026 match on Saturday.

India’s only World Cup triumph came 51 years ago, when the Ajit Pal Singh-led team defeated Pakistan in the 1975 final in Kuala Lumpur. India had won bronze in 1971 and silver in 1973, but have not returned to the World Cup podium since that golden campaign.

The weight of that history will accompany eighth-ranked India when they begin their Pool D campaign against 15th-ranked Wales on Independence Day.

Coach Craig Fulton, however, wants the current group to create its own legacy.

“We want to write our own piece of history in Indian hockey,” Fulton said ahead of the tournament.

“If you look at India’s legacy of the Olympics, it’s very, very powerful. But we last won a World Cup was 51 years ago. So we want to write our own piece of Indian history. That’s the big goal.”

Can India translate Olympic success to the World Cup?

India’s revival on the Olympic stage has provided reason for optimism.

The men’s team won bronze at the Tokyo Olympics, ending India’s 41-year wait for an Olympic hockey medal, and followed it with another bronze at the Paris Games.

The next challenge is to reproduce that consistency at the World Cup.

“We have come here with the same passion, mindset and preparation,” Harmanpreet had said.

“There is no pressure to win a medal in the World Cup; rather, it is our responsibility.”

There is also a historical parallel surrounding the Indian captain.

Ajit Pal lifted the World Cup in his second edition as India’s captain after previously leading the country in 1971. Harmanpreet will also captain India at the World Cup for a second time, having led the side at the 2023 edition.

He becomes only the second Indian after Ajit Pal to captain the country at two World Cups.

Why a win against Wales will be crucial

The opening game against Wales may appear favourable on paper, but India have little room for a slow start.

England, ranked third in the world, and 12th-ranked Pakistan complete Pool D. India face England on August 17 and Pakistan on August 19.

The tournament format further increases the value of each pool-stage match.

There will be no conventional quarterfinal stage at the 2026 World Cup. The top two teams from each of the four first-stage pools will progress to Pools E and F in the second phase, while the other teams move into classification Pools G and H.

The top two teams from Pools E and F will qualify for the semi-finals.

More importantly, teams will carry forward the result and points earned against the other qualifier from their original pool.

That makes points accumulated in the first phase particularly valuable and leaves India with little margin for complacency.

India’s form provides encouragement

India’s preparations have produced several encouraging results despite an eighth-place finish in the nine-team Pro League last season.

Fulton’s team found form during the latter part of the campaign, recording victories against reigning world champions Germany and Olympic champions the Netherlands.

India also defeated Pakistan twice and overcame England in a shootout during the build-up to the World Cup.

The Asia Cup title in Rajgir has further strengthened belief within the squad.

Fulton used 33 players during the 2025-26 Pro League season before settling on a World Cup group combining established internationals with younger players.

“Our strength is our diversity,” Fulton said.

“We have experience at tournament levels, Olympics and World Cups and then we have some youth that has done well at the U-21 level and has come through in the last 18 months to get into the group. We are excited about that mix.”

Manpreet, Harmanpreet form experienced Indian core

Experience remains one of India’s major strengths.

Manpreet Singh, with 417 international appearances, is India’s most-capped player and will also be the most experienced player at the tournament.

Manpreet and Mandeep Singh are set to appear at their fourth World Cup.

Harmanpreet, Hardik Singh, Amit Rohidas, Vivek Sagar Prasad, Sumit and Nilakanta Sharma form the other part of an experienced core accustomed to major international tournaments.

India will again depend heavily on Harmanpreet’s penalty-corner ability, while Rohidas will be expected to add stability in defence.

Manpreet and Hardik will be central to the midfield, with Abhishek and Mandeep among the main attacking options. Mandeep enters the tournament only 12 appearances short of 300 international caps.

Eight Indian players set for first World Cup

That experience is complemented by eight World Cup debutants.

Among the newer players is 23-year-old midfielder Aditya Arjuna Lalage, who has 13 senior international caps.

Defender Yashdeep Siwach’s debut will also carry special significance. His mother, Pritam Siwach, represented India at a World Cup, giving his appearance an unusual family connection with the tournament.

India will also begin a new era between the posts.

With PR Sreejesh having retired after the Paris Olympics, Suraj Karkera and Mohith HS have been entrusted with the goalkeeping responsibilities. Both will be appearing at their first World Cup.

Wales capable of testing India

Wales, meanwhile, will be competing in their second consecutive World Cup and will look to disrupt India’s plans in the opening fixture.

They have prepared for the competition with practice matches against England, Australia and Spain.

While India will start as the higher-ranked team, Wales will have little to lose and could punish any early complacency.

For Harmanpreet’s side, a convincing opening result would not merely secure three points. It would provide momentum ahead of the more demanding Pool D encounters against England and Pakistan and offer an early indication of whether this Indian team can seriously challenge for the country’s first World Cup crown since 1975.

  Hockey world Cup 2026 India vs Wales live match time and IND vs WAL live streaming  When India will play their opening match in Hockey World Cup 2026?  India will play their first match in Hockey World Cup 2026 on August 15 against Wales.  At what time India vs Wales hockey match begins at Men’s Hockey World Cup 2026?  India vs Wales hockey match will begin at 4:30 PM IST.  Which TV channels will live telecast India vs Wales hockey match?  India vs Wales hockey match will be available on Star Sports Select channels for broadcast.  How to watch live streaming of India vs Wales Hockey match?  The hockey fans can watch the live streaming of India vs Wales match at Men’s Hockey World Cup on Jiohotstar.   

British cyclist Finlay Tarling, 19, died Friday in a crash during the eighth stage of the Tour of Portugal, race organisers and his NSN Development Team said.

Organisers said on social media that Tarling died following a “serious accident” on the stage between Melgaco and Fafe.

Portuguese broadcaster RTP, which was televising the race, reported that Tarling was involved in a head-on collision with a vehicle travelling in the opposite direction and not connected to the event.

The stage was suspended with about 20 kilometres (12 miles) remaining. The podium ceremony was cancelled in “a sign of respect and mourning”, organisers said.

The NSN Development Team confirmed Tarling’s death and expressed condolences to his parents and brother Josh, who rides for the Netcompany-Ineos team.

“Fin was a much-loved member of our team but most importantly, he was a son, a brother, and a friend to so many. He will be deeply missed,” the team added in a message on social media.

Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro also expressed his condolences to Tarling’s family and team, adding on X the news of his death “leaves us deeply shaken”.

The NSN Development Team is co-owned by former Barcelona football star Andres Iniesta.

(FRANCE 24 with AFP)

We have officially reached fantasy football draft season in 2026! For some, that means summer is heading toward its end, but also HEY FOOTBALL IS COMING VERY SOON!

If you’re starting your draft prep, now’s the time you’re starting to think about sleepers, some of whom we’ve seen in action as the NFL preseason gets underway.

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That’s what this annual list is for: A look at the sleepers from around the NFL, with 32 of them to mark on your cheat sheet as you start your draft prep soon or later this month.

It’s worth noting: Some of the names below may not end up being sleepers by the time you’re drafting. Still, you’ve got to start somewhere. Here’s a look at the sleepers you should be thinking about this year:

How much do we believe in Jeremiyah Love as a rookie? The answer here is in Allgeier, who could steal some carries and red zone work. James Conner is still in Arizona (for now), so keep an eye out here. But I could see Allgeier having a role that goes beyond backup who could have a bigger role if Love goes down.

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Who’s the WR2 in Atlanta? It might be the 2026 third-rounder out of Georgia who could carve out a role after a solid start to training camp.

India will begin their FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2026 campaign against Wales on Saturday, August 15, with Harmanpreet Singh and his men looking to take the first step towards ending a 51-year wait for the title.

The match is scheduled to begin at 4.30 pm IST.

India, ranked eighth in the world, will start as favourites against 15th-ranked Wales, but the opening encounter assumes added importance because England and Pakistan are also in Pool D.

India face third-ranked England on August 17 before taking on 12th-ranked Pakistan on August 19.

The Indian team enters the tournament encouraged by its performances towards the end of the FIH Pro League campaign, where it registered wins against reigning world champions Germany and Olympic champions the Netherlands. India also defeated Pakistan twice and overcame England in a shootout during their preparations.

India vs Wales live score and match updates

 

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Match status: India vs Wales in 2nd quarter

 

India: 2 (Harmanpreet Singh, Sanjay – both penalty corner)

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Wales: 0

 

This section can be updated with the score, goalscorers, cards, penalty corners, quarter-wise scores and major match developments once play begins.

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When is the India vs Wales Hockey World Cup 2026 match?

The India vs Wales Pool D match will be played on Saturday, August 15, 2026.

What time will India vs Wales begin?

The India vs Wales Hockey World Cup match will begin at 4.30 pm IST.

Where to watch India vs Wales live on television?

Star Select 2 HD/SD will live telecast India vs Wales hockey match. DD Sports will live telecast the today’s hockey world cup match on terrestrial network.

Where to watch India vs Wales live streaming?

The hockey fans can watch the live streaming of India vs Wales hockey match on JioHostar app and website.

Why is India vs Wales important for Harmanpreet Singh’s side?

India are chasing their first men’s hockey World Cup title since Ajit Pal Singh’s team beat Pakistan in the 1975 final in Kuala Lumpur.

That remains India’s only World Cup crown. The country had earlier won bronze in 1971 and silver in 1973.

The current team, however, enters the competition with significantly greater big-tournament experience than several recent Indian World Cup sides. India won bronze at the Tokyo Olympics, ending a 41-year Olympic medal drought, and followed it with another bronze at the Paris Games.

Coach Craig Fulton has made clear that his players want to build their own legacy rather than be weighed down by the past.

“We want to write our own piece of history in Indian hockey,” Fulton said ahead of the tournament.

Captain Harmanpreet will be leading India at a World Cup for the second time, becoming only the second Indian after Ajit Pal Singh to captain the country at two editions of the tournament.

Who are India’s key players against Wales?

Harmanpreet’s penalty-corner ability will remain one of India’s biggest attacking weapons, while Amit Rohidas adds experience to the defensive unit.

Veteran midfielder Manpreet Singh, India’s most-capped player with 417 international appearances, will provide experience alongside Hardik Singh.

Mandeep Singh and Manpreet are set to feature at their fourth World Cup, while eight members of India’s squad are World Cup debutants.

Abhishek and Mandeep will be among India’s key attacking options.

There is also a new combination in goal following PR Sreejesh’s retirement after the Paris Olympics. Suraj Karkera and Mohith HS are both set to feature at their first World Cup.

India schedule in Pool D

• 
  August 15: India vs Wales
• 
  August 17: India vs England
• 
  August 19: India vs Pakistan

With the tournament’s new format allowing results against fellow qualifiers from the first stage to be carried forward into the second phase, every Pool D result could prove crucial.

For India, victory over Wales would provide valuable momentum before the tougher tests against England and Pakistan.

Trisha Tubu celebrates with her Farm Fresh teammates during a win over Nxled in the PVL On Tour in Lanao Del Norte.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Farm Fresh turned to Trisha Tubu and Ces Molina to sweep Nxled, 25-23, 25-13, 25-22, on Saturday at Mindanao Civic Center Gymnasium in Tubod, Lanao Del Norte.

The Foxies asserted their mastery of the Chameleons in one hour and 40 minutes.

“Fantastic game. Nxled, they’re my players before. I told them (Farm Fresh) no easy game today; it would be a close game. But my team, everyone had a good performance. I appreciate the organizers of this [PVL on Tour],” said Farm Fresh Japanese coach Koji Tsuzurabara.

READ: PVL: Jonna Perdido, Ela Raagas bring familiar ties to Farm Fresh

In the 2026 All-Filipino Conference, Farm Fresh booked its breakthrough semifinal appearance by shattering Nxled’s title hopes in the last stage of the Play-In.

Trisha Tubu and Ces Molina formed a potent combo with 16 points each to halt Nxled’s two-game winning streak.

Tubu, the reigning Season MVP, hit 15 of her 30 attack attempts, including an ace, while Molina had 14 kills and two blocks.

Farm Fresh’s Royse Tubino.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

Royse Tubino was also instrumental with 12 points. Riri Meneses had six points, as Louie Romero tossed 14 excellent sets.

The Foxies blew an 18-14 lead in the third, as the Chameleons unleashed a 7-1 run capped by Jackie Acuna’s block on Tubino, followed by a net fault, to take a 21-19 advantage.

Tubino stopped the bleeding before Molina scored two of their four points to reach match point, 24-22. Rizza Cruz delivered the game-winning ace with her jump serve.

READ: Farm Fresh’s Trisha Tubu is PVL’s best after dominant season

Farm Fresh overcame a tight first set with Tubu sending the team to set point, 24-22, before her serve went out. Tubino closed out the set with a clutch attack.

The Foxies pulled away with a 20-10 margin in the second after Tubino’s single block on EJ Laure-Cariño en route to a 12-point set win.

Farm Fresh improved to 1-1 after losing to Galeries Tower in Batangas last July 11. The Foxies end their preseason against Capital1 in Victorias City next week.

Nxled, which missed Brooke Van Sickle the whole On Tour due to a shoulder injury, split their campaign with a 2-2 record as the only team with four preseason games.

No one from Nxled scored in double figures, with Myla Pablo and MJ Phillips leading the way with eight points each. Jonah Sabete Escamillan added seven points, 16 excellent receptions, and five digs.

First Test, Darwin (day three of five)

Australia 198: (Smith 71; Mahmud 6-55) and 161-4 (Green 43*; Mahmud 2-33)

Bangladesh 426: (Tanzid 101, Shanto 84, Miraz 65; Hazlewood 6-89)

Australia trail by 67 runs with 6 wickets remaining

Scorecard

Spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz took the crucial wicket of Steve Smith as Bangladesh moved closer to a historic first Test victory in Australia on day three in Darwin.

Smith, so often Australia’s talisman, chipped a leading edge straight back to the off-spinner to depart for 44 and leave his side 122-4 in their second innings.

Australia safely batted out the rest of the session but they face a tough task to save the match after closing on 161-4, still 67 runs behind Bangladesh’s first innings total.

Their hopes of saving the first Test rest in the hands of Cameron Green, who remained unbeaten on 43 and Alex Carey, on 19.

Earlier Bangladesh added 75 to their overnight score of 351-6, with Miraz scoring 65 and Josh Hazlewood claiming 6-89 to claim his 300th Test wicket.

Miraz guided the tail superbly for his 65 from 154 balls as the Bangladesh lower order frustrated Australia’s tiring bowling attack.

“The way we showed character and played the last two, three days I think is outstanding. So, really happy to see them play like this,” Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto said.

After being dismissed for 426 shortly after lunch, Bangladesh seamer Hasan Mahmud stunned the hosts when he claimed both openers cheaply.

The 26-year-old, who took a career-best 6-55 in the first innings, bowled Jake Weatherald for 0 and Travis Head for 17 as both players chopped on to their stumps.

Marnus Labuschagne and Smith steadied the ship, before the former was bowled by Taijul Islam for 31.

Smith batted sensibly for his 44 off 88 balls but his wicket left Bangladesh confident of victory as they roared in triumph on the Marrara Oval pitch.

All-rounder Green’s place in the side had been questioned prior to the series, but he defended well alongside wicketkeeper Carey as the pair reached the end of the day to give the hosts a slither of hope going into day four.

Australia have never lost a home Test to Bangladesh, only losing once to the Tigers in six previous Tests – at Mirpur in 2017.

This is the first match in a two-Test series.

Teenage British cyclist Finlay Tarling died Friday following a tragic incident in the Volta a Portugal race, NSN Cycling Team announced to social media.

Tarling, 19, was run over by a car that entered the road, according to local reports. The driver reportedly missed the signs from stewards and entered the road going in the opposite direction of the race.

“We are heartbroken to announce the passing of Finlay Tarling at the Volta a Portugal today,” NSN Cycling Team said on X. “Fin was a much loved member of our team but most importantly, he was a son, a brother, and a friend to so many. He will be deeply missed.”

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Finlay Tarling of Israel-Premier Tech climbs the Tumble Mountain during stage 5 of the Tour of Great Britain from Pontypool to the Tumble on Sept. 6, 2025, in Wales, United Kingdom. (Huw Fairclough/Getty Images)

The incident occurred during the eighth stage of the race, between Melgaço and Fafe in northern Portugal. Tarling was immediately attended to by doctors. It wasn’t clear if other riders were involved.

“At this moment of profound dismay, the organization of the Volta a Portugal and the Portuguese Cycling Federation express their most heartfelt condolences to the family of Finlay Tarling, to his teammates, to the NSN Development Team, and to all his friends and loved ones,” organizers said on X.

ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON’T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW!

Finlay Tarling of Israel-Premier Tech presents his mother with a bunch of flowers ahead of stage 5 of the Tour of Great Britain on Sept. 6, 2025, in Pontypool, Wales, United Kingdom. (Huw Fairclough/Getty Images)

The eighth stage of the race was stopped following the incident “as a sign of respect and mourning,” organizers added.

Portuguese President António José Seguro and Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro both sent messages of condolence to the rider’s family.

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Finlay Tarling of Great Britain and NSN Cycling Team competes during the 8th stage from Melgaco to Fafe of the Volta a Portugal 2026 in Fafe, Portugal, on Aug. 14, 2026. (Miguel Lemos/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Tarling was the younger brother of Ineos Grenadiers cyclist Joshua Tarling. Tarling represented Great Britain on the road and track. He placed second in Stage 6 of the Tour du Rwanda earlier this year.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Chelsea Green had the best moment of her career earlier this month. Leaving four other women behind on the ladder, she rose to the top, grabbing the WWE Women’s Championship. However, a week later, she injured her eye socket, and this week came very close to relinquishing the title. In fact, for a moment, she had it given back only for the tide to turn.

Green has now broken the silence after the iconic opening segment on recent SmackDown, where she was called out as still the Women’s Champion. Although that is one condition too, as she’s been given 30 days to recover and likely some leeway not to defend the title, after that it’s up to the authority to decide. Chelsea, in celebration of this, posted two pictures of herself from that very segment on Instagram, along with a caption stating there is no hindrance now.

“There’s no stopping us now♥️” wrote Green.

Chelsea Green still wore the PERMANENT over INTERIM crossed-out top. Her bruised right eye socket was quite visible, emphasizing the seriousness of her injury. It is fortunate that it was limited to near the eye and not on the eye itself. Still, she managed to convince Nick Aldis, the real person behind the authoritative General Manager role, not to strip her of the championship, to which he agreed. It will be exciting to see how Green will be booked, whether amidst this injury or after she recovers.

Chelsea Green was confronted by Gunther, and later Matt Cardona came to the rescue

Frustrated by his constant exclusion, Gunther came out on SmackDown to confront Nick Aldis and also took a shot at Chelsea Green. After Aldis added Kevin Owens to the No. 1 Contender’s Match at SummerSlam Night 2, which Owens won, The Ring General took out his anger on Green and her husband, Matt Cardona, whom he disrespected.

What started as a heated verbal back-and-forth turned physical when Gunther mocked Cardona. Enraged by this, Matt charged at the former World Heavyweight Champion, making it an impromptu match. Despite Cardona beginning with a low blow, Gunther quickly dominated the contest and locked in a brutal Boston Crab, forcing Cardona to tap out.

Even after the bell rang, Gunther refused to release his hold, driving Green to tearfully beg for mercy. Gunther finally let go, walking away laughing as Cardona lay beaten and Green wept in the ring.