India opened its 2012 Champions Challenge 1 campaign with a 3-0 win against Wales. The 27^th-ranked Welsh were coming straight from their World League Round One tournament and put in a valiant effort against #12 India, but in the end, the Indians were able to power through to the win.

A ten-minute span in the first half ultimately made the difference in the game for India. During the span, India sparked to life and dominated the action, scoring two goals to take a convincing lead. Captain Rani Ritu opened the scoring 18 minutes into the game with the only marker from the field. Ten minutes later Lily Chanu Mayengbam put in a penalty corner goal with a solid shot to double the lead.

Wales fought hard to chip away at the lead, but India’s defense stood its ground in the second half and held the Welsh scoreless. As a bonus for their defensive efforts, India put in the 3-0 goal right at the final buzzer to bring the scoreline to a more convincing 3-0 final.