Hockey World Cup: Modi, Sehwag Congratulate India on Opening Win

Sachin Tendulkar, Viren Rasquinha, Naveen Patnaik: Reactions to India’s cruising start at the 2018 Hockey World Cup.

Mandeep Singh set India on course with the first goal in a 5-0 hammering of South Africa in their HWC 2018 opener.

(Photo Courtesy: Hockey India)

If there were any nerves about playing a big tournament in front of a cheering home crowd, they were nowhere to be seen.

India made a solid start to their campaign at the 2018 FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup in Bhubaneswar by comprehensively beating South Africa 5-0 in their Pool C clash.

There was a buzz around the country ahead of the start of the competition, with India hoping to improve upon a wretched record at World Cups from the recent past as the showpiece tournament came home after eight years.

Support came from the highest quarters for the Men in Blue ahead of their opener.

On the ground, a legend of Indian hockey was present to egg the team on.

First-quarter goals from Mandeep Singh and Akashdeep Singh, followed by a double from Simranjeet Singh and a Lalit Upadhyay strike in the second half, meant all present at the Kalinga Stadium had lots to celebrate.