India defeated Pakistan 5-3 in the 2026 Hockey World Cup on Wednesday. Amit Shah congratulated Team India on this victory.
India vs Pakistan Hockey World Cup 2026: India thrashed Pakistan in the Hockey World Cup
Last Wednesday, India defeated Pakistan 5–3 in the 2026 Hockey World Cup. This victory was crucial for Team India as it secured their spot in the next round; had they lost the match, they would have been eliminated from the tournament. In this match, captain Harmanpreet Singh and Abhishek scored two goals each, while Hardik Singh scored one. India's Union Home Minister Amit Shah congratulated Team India on this memorable victory.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah wrote on social media: "Congratulations to the Indian team for the victory over Pakistan in the 2026 Hockey World Cup. With excellent command of the game and superb skills, you have upheld India's long-standing dominance. My best wishes are with you for the upcoming matches."
Before the Hockey World Cup match played on August 19, players from India and Pakistan exchanged high-fives. At the conclusion of the match, players from both teams shook hands as well. It is worth noting that following 'Operation Sindoor' last year, Indian cricket teams had adopted a 'no-handshake' policy with Pakistani players, but the hockey team did not follow suit.
In fact, Hockey India had issued a statement last November announcing that it would not adopt a 'no-handshake' policy like the cricket team; instead, it would adhere to Olympic rules and the guidelines issued by the International Hockey Federation (FIH).
India Advances to the Second Round
India has secured a spot in the second round after winning two of its three matches in the first round. It has been placed in Group E for the second round, a group for which England has already qualified. The remaining two teams in this group will come from Group A of the first round; the teams finishing first and second in Group A will join India and England in Group E.
