{
  "id": 4206218,
  "title": "'Need to be stronger defensively': Harmanpreet after India’s eighth-place in WC",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/29/need-to-be-stronger-defensively-harmanpreet-after-indias-eighth-place",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-29T14:00:20.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Times of India",
    "slug": "times-of-india",
    "url": "https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/hockey/we-need-to-be-stronger-defensively-harmanpreet-after-indias-eighth-place-in-hockey-world-cup/articleshow/133613358.cms"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "India captain Harmanpreet Singh has admitted that his team needs to bolster its defensive capabilities following their eighth-place finish at the recent Hockey World Cup. The men's side fell short by a narrow margin, ultimately being defeated by Belgium in a penalty shootout after a 3-3 draw in regulation time. Belgium led 3-2 before Harmanpreet converted a penalty corner with just 26 seconds left in the match, forcing the game into a shootout. Despite this result, the Indian skipper expressed satisfaction with the team's performance against a world-leading opponent, stating, \"Playing against the world's top team in front of their fans and performing well as a team is a big boost. We're happy with the performance against Belgium, but not with the eighth-place finish.\"\n\nIndia's campaign began strongly, with victories over Wales and Pakistan before falling to England in the pool stage. Their fortunes deteriorated in the second round, with defeats to the Netherlands and Argentina causing them to miss out on a spot in the semi-finals. The captain highlighted the need for collective improvement on the defensive front, acknowledging that \"if we don't defend well as a team, big teams will trouble you. We need to be stronger defensively.\" Harmanpreet noted that there were no individual heroics in the tournament, emphasizing the importance of team effort in both victory and defeat.\n\nLooking ahead, Harmanpreet urged the team to pivot their focus to the upcoming Asian Games as their next major goal. He expressed a desire to win the gold medal there and qualify for the Los Angeles Olympics. The eight goals he scored during the World Cup undoubtedly provided a highlight for India, but the eighth-place finish signals the necessity of addressing the team's defensive shortcomings as they embark on the journey towards the Asian Games and beyond.",
  "summary": "India's hockey captain expressed regret over the team's eighth-place finish at the World Cup, emphasizing the need for improved defense against elite rivals. Although showing promise against Belgium, the overall outcome fell short of expectations. The squad's immediate goal is to capture gold at the Asian Games, securing their spot in the Los Angeles Olympics.",
  "key_points": [
    "India's men's hockey team finished 8th at the World Cup.",
    "Harmanpreet Singh calls for stronger defensive play.",
    "Team aims for Asian Games gold and Olympics qualification."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}