Kayla Sanchez skips event to get better shot at Asian Games medal

AMSTELVEEN: England produced a stunning second-half comeback to defeat India 4-2 in a thrilling Pool D encounter at the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 at the Wagener Stadium on Monday. India appeared to be in control for much of the opening half and went into the interval with a 2-1 advantage. However, England completely changed the momentum after the break, scoring three unanswered goals across the third and fourth quarters to secure a memorable victory. The result extended England’s perfect start to the tournament. They now have two wins from two matches and sit at the top of Pool D, strengthening their position as one of the teams to watch in the competition. For India, the defeat continued a long wait for a World Cup victory against England. Their last win over the English side at the global tournament came back in 1994. India had started their campaign confidently, beating Wales 3-1. Captain Harmanpreet Singh converted two penalty corners, while Sanjay added another goal from a set-piece to give his side an encouraging opening victory. England, meanwhile, began the World Cup with an impressive 4-1 victory over Pakistan before carrying that momentum into Monday’s clash. India remain second in Pool D with three points. Their next match will be a highly anticipated encounter against arch-rivals Pakistan, while England will meet Wales in their next group fixture. India’s hockey team are still searching for a second World Cup title, having last lifted the trophy in 1975. They endured a disappointing campaign in the 2023 edition on home soil, finishing ninth. Elsewhere, France and Malaysia played out an entertaining 3-3 draw in Pool B. France’s Timothée Clement scored late in the final quarter to rescue a point. In the women’s tournament, Argentina defeated Germany 3-2, while the Netherlands beat Australia 4-2.

Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan’s hopes of returning to international cricket appear to have suffered a major setback after the government ruled out his comeback following his participation in a programme featuring former prime minister Sheikh Hasina. According to international media reports, Bangladesh’s Youth and Sports Minister Aminul Haque said there was little scope for the government to continue taking a lenient approach towards the veteran cricketer after he appeared alongside Hasina at a media event. Shakib, 39, joined the programme by telephone while Sheikh Hasina addressed journalists in New Delhi on Wednesday. The event was held nearly two years after Hasina was removed from power following mass student-led protests. Speaking about Shakib’s situation, Haque indicated that the government had previously been willing to consider the cricketer’s case with patience and flexibility. However, he suggested that the latest development had changed the situation significantly. “We had been looking at the matter with considerable tolerance and flexibility,” the minister said, according to reports. “But after this, I do not think there is any room to look at the matter in the same way.” The minister further questioned Shakib’s prospects of representing Bangladesh again after his public association with Hasina. Shakib was previously a member of parliament for Hasina’s Awami League and had been politically associated with the former ruling party. His involvement in the programme has therefore attracted renewed scrutiny at a time when his future with the national team remains uncertain. The former Bangladesh captain has also been linked to legal proceedings arising from the deadly crackdown on protesters that preceded Hasina’s departure from power. Shakib has previously said he would be willing to return to Bangladesh and face the cases against him if adequate security were guaranteed. His current circumstances have made a return to international cricket increasingly complicated. Shakib is currently in Sri Lanka and remains among a group of individuals facing investigations connected to the violence during the protests. The latest government stance could now effectively close the door on a comeback for one of Bangladesh’s most successful cricketers. Shakib has enjoyed an illustrious international career, establishing himself as one of the country’s leading all-rounders across Test, ODI and T20I cricket. His experience and record have made him a significant figure in Bangladesh cricket for more than a decade. However, his political links and the legal controversy surrounding the events that followed Hasina’s removal have increasingly overshadowed his cricketing legacy. With the government now taking a much firmer position, Shakib’s return to the Bangladesh national team appears more uncertain than ever. The development could mark a dramatic and potentially final chapter in the international career of one of Bangladesh’s most celebrated cricketers.