Harmanpreet Singh Believes India Has the Squad to End 51-Year World Cup Drought

With less than a month to go before the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium and Netherlands 2026, India captain Harmanpreet Singh has delivered a confident message to hockey fans across the country this team is ready to challenge for the title and end India's 51-year wait for a World Cup crown.

India last lifted the Hockey World Cup in 1975 under the legendary Ajit Pal Singh, a triumph that remains one of the most celebrated moments in Indian hockey history. More than five decades later, Harmanpreet has the opportunity to emulate that achievement as he prepares to captain India at the World Cup for the second consecutive edition. Having already led India to back-to-back Olympic bronze medals, including the historic podium finish at Paris 2024, Harmanpreet believes the current squad possesses the right balance of experience, youth and belief to compete with the world's best.

History presents Harmanpreet with a unique opportunity. Like Ajit Pal Singh, India's only World Cup-winning captain, Harmanpreet will now lead the national team in two successive Hockey World Cups. Ajit Pal captained India to bronze in 1971 before guiding the team to its only World Cup title in 1975. Harmanpreet hopes to write a similar story by taking India one step further after leading the side in the previous edition.

Speaking ahead of the tournament, the Indian skipper made his ambition clear. "It's been over fifty years since we've won the World Cup, and I think it's time for us to end this long wait and create history." Those words reflect the confidence surrounding a squad that has consistently challenged the world's top teams over the past few seasons.

India enters the World Cup after an encouraging campaign in the FIH Pro League, particularly during the European leg in Rotterdam and London. According to Harmanpreet, those performances have reinforced the team's belief heading into hockey's biggest tournament. "Our performance in the Pro League, especially in the concluding leg, showed how much we've grown as a team. Our training and matches are going really well, and we're excited to build on that heading into the tournament."

The Indian captain stressed that consistency will be one of the biggest factors in determining success. Rather than focusing on individual brilliance, Harmanpreet believes maintaining discipline throughout every match will be crucial. "We have to perform well and improve match by match, stay focused throughout and avoid mistakes that can prove costly in a tournament like the World Cup."

While pleased with the team's overall progress, Harmanpreet identified one area that could make the difference between winning and losing against elite opposition. "The important thing is to be clinical in the D, whether attacking or defending." He explained that India's structure continues to improve both with and without possession, but converting opportunities remains the key objective.

"Our focus is on making the most of our opportunities, whether that's a circle entry, a shot on target, a penalty corner or an attacking set-piece." Given India's ability to create chances against top-ranked teams, improving efficiency inside the circle could prove decisive during the knockout stages.

The 20-member World Cup squad combines seasoned internationals with several exciting young players, something Harmanpreet believes has strengthened the team's overall character. "The balance has been good. We have confidence in the team after how we played against some top sides recently."

The experienced players have taken on the responsibility of guiding the younger members, helping them adapt to the pressures of a major international tournament. "The experienced players are also guiding the youngsters to stay focused on our objectives. " That blend of leadership and youthful energy has become one of India's biggest strengths over the past Olympic cycle.

Having represented India for more than a decade and earned over 250 international caps, Harmanpreet says his personal motivation has never changed. "It's been almost 11-12 years since my debut, but my mindset has always been the same. Winning a medal in a major tournament matters more to me than the appearances I have made."

While proud of reaching the 250-cap milestone, the captain insists that collective success continues to outweigh personal achievements. He also credited his teammates for supporting him throughout his journey.

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"I want to thank my team; they have always supported me a lot, and I want to continue delivering on the expectations and responsibilities they have trusted me with."

As one of India's senior-most players, Harmanpreet has also embraced the responsibility of mentoring younger teammates. A member of India's victorious Junior World Cup-winning team in 2016, he regularly encourages emerging players to play fearlessly rather than worrying about making mistakes. "I always encourage the team to play with a free mind and enjoy the opportunity without taking too much stress."

Instead of fearing errors, he believes the team's strength lies in its ability to respond collectively.

"The message in the camp has been clear: don't worry about making mistakes, but if you do, reacting quickly matters more. We have to cover for each other and make that effort as a team."

India has been drawn in Pool D alongside England, Pakistan and Wales, opening its campaign against Wales on August 15. However, much of the attention is already focused on the highly anticipated clash against Pakistan. Although India has not lost to Pakistan in the last decade, Harmanpreet insists the team cannot allow emotions to influence its approach. "Everyone is excited about that match, and there's an expectation that we will win. But we have to control our emotions and play smartly."

He stressed that India will treat every pool-stage opponent with equal respect. "We're excited to face every team in our pool, whether it is Wales, England or Pakistan."

India's revival in international hockey has already delivered two successive Olympic bronze medals, restoring belief that the country can once again compete consistently for major titles. Now comes the biggest challenge of all. The World Cup remains the one trophy that has eluded Indian hockey for more than half a century. Harmanpreet Singh believes the current squad has both the quality and the mentality to change that.

With experienced leaders, talented youngsters, strong recent performances and growing confidence, India enters the tournament believing history can finally be rewritten. As Harmanpreet's message to the fans makes clear, the objective is simple: keep believing, keep supporting the team, and together end a 51-year wait for hockey's greatest prize.