India kicked off their Hockey World League final campaign with a disappointing loss to Argentina at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Stadium in Raipur. Argentina's Gonzalo Peillat scored early in the third minute and from there on, the Argentinians were firmly in the driving seat. Keeper Sreejesh Ravindran made a couple of gutsy saves, but Argentina managed to score again in the first half, Joaquin Menini benefitting from a penalty corner in the 24th minute.

India were a little more potent in the second half, but Argentina stayed composed. Just after the third quarter, India believed they had dragged a goal back, but the referee ruled it out owing to a stick check. To add to the pain, India were punished after conceding yet another penalty corner in the dying moments of the match. Peillat stepped up and got his second for the evening, capping off a fine performance.