India’s eighth-place finish at the 2026 Men’s Hockey World Cup was disappointing for a team coming off two consecutive Olympic medals. Despite flashes of attacking quality, defensive lapses, inconsistency and dependence on Harmanpreet Singh’s penalty corners prevented India from challenging the world’s best.

India suffered their fifth straight one-goal defeat in the FIH Pro League, going down 3-2 to Australia in Antwerp. Despite leading 2-0 through Abhishek’s brace, India couldn’t hold on as the Kookaburras scored three goals in the final 18 minutes. Suraj Karkera made several key saves, but late goals from Rintala and Craig sealed another narrow loss for the Blue Sticks in a hard-fought contest.