Harmanpreet Singh: 'We Want to End the 51-Year Wait' at FIH Hockey World Cup 2026

Harmanpreet Singh, captain of India, has set a clear aim for his side as they prepare for the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium and Netherlands 2026: "We Want to End the 51-Year Wait", he said. The captain also addressed matters relating to India’s World Cup squad and the scheduled pool-stage encounter with Pakistan.

Singh spoke publicly about the composition and prospects of India’s tournament squad, noting the significance of the fixtures that lie ahead at the joint-hosted World Cup. He specifically referenced the team’s pool-stage meeting with Pakistan, and framed the campaign as an opportunity for India to achieve a long-sought milestone. The event is identified as the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium and Netherlands 2026.

As captain, Singh’s remarks centered on the team’s overarching objective at the tournament. He underlined the single goal encapsulated by his quoted line, and placed that aim alongside the practical realities of squad selection and match preparation. His comments linked the players’ preparation with the larger ambition the side holds for the World Cup.

The pool-stage fixture against Pakistan was highlighted by Singh during his remarks. He addressed that specific match-up in the context of India’s schedule at the World Cup, confirming its place in the team’s planning. Singh’s public comments made clear that the fixture forms part of the campaign narrative he has presented to supporters and observers.

Singh also spoke about the India squad named for the tournament, referring to the group of players he will lead at the World Cup. His statements tied the squad’s presence at the event to the historical aspiration he articulated in the quoted line. The captain framed the selection and the team’s readiness within the broader objective of making history at this edition of the competition.

Across his remarks, Singh returned to the same central message about ending the long wait for a World Cup triumph. That refrain — "We Want to End the 51-Year Wait" — served as the touchstone for comments that ranged from squad matters to the upcoming Pakistan match and the team’s overall determination at the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium and Netherlands 2026.

The captain’s declaration establishes the ambition India will carry into the tournament and places the pool-stage slate, including the clash with Pakistan, into sharper focus. Singh’s words set expectations for the squad as they pursue that stated objective at the World Cup.