A capacity crowd of 21,000 for the final match of the day at the Birsa Munda International Hockey Stadium in Rourkela included Odisha State's Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and International Hockey Federation (FIH) President Tayyab Ikram.

Olympic bronze medallists India started their Pool D campaign against a Spain side who had beaten them 3-2 and then took them to penalties in FIH Pro League meetings in October and November.

Spain started the game on top, but the home crowd in an arena named after the Indian independence fighter Birsa Munda eerupted towards the end of the first quarter when Amit Rohidas fired India in front.

Hardik Singh doubled India's lead in the second quarter, and although they had chances to extend their advantage after half-time, there were no further goals in the match.

Earlier in the day at the same venue, England began their World Cup with a comfortable 5-0 victory against debutants Wales.

Nicholas Park struck England, semi-finalists at the last three World Cups, in front after 20 seconds.

Liam Ansell made it 2-0 from a penalty corner just before half-time, and added his second of the match via the same route after the restart.

Phil Roper made it 4-0 on 42 minutes, before Nick Bandurak completed the scoring with three minutes remaining.

The World Cup began at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar earlier in the day with two Pool A matches.

Rio 2016 Olympic champions Argentina edged past South Africa in the first game, Maico Casella netting the only goal.

Three-time winners Australia were in fine form as they hit eight without reply against France.

Tom Craig and Jeremy Hayward both scored three times for the Olympic silver medallists, with Flynn Ogilvie and Tom Wickham also on the scoresheet.

Pools B and C are set to get underway tomorrow, including the holders Belgium up against South Korea at the Kalinga Stadium.