India Women Sink to Eighth in FIH Pro League After Another Big Loss to Belgium
India’s campaign in the FIH Pro League 2024-25 continued to unravel as the women’s hockey team suffered a crushing 1–5 defeat to Belgium in Antwerp on Saturday. With just three matches left in their European leg, India now finds itself in deep relegation trouble, sitting second from bottom in the points table.
A Bright Start, Then a Collapse
India began positively, scoring in just the sixth minute through Deepika’s sharp penalty corner conversion. The early lead gave the visitors confidence, and goalkeeper Savita Punia made crucial saves to keep the Belgians at bay in the first half. However, that momentum did not last long.
Belgium responded aggressively in the second half. Hélène Brasseur equalised in the 37th minute, also from a penalty corner. From there, the floodgates opened. Lucie Breyne and Ambre Ballenghien added goals in the final quarter, before Brasseur struck again and Charlotte Englebert sealed the win with a penalty stroke in the 58th minute.
India failed to mount a serious comeback, and their defence looked visibly rattled under sustained pressure.
Relegation Fears Intensify
This defeat leaves India with just 10 points from 13 matches — only ahead of England, who have 8 points from 12. Germany, another team fighting to survive, has 7 points but with three extra games in hand.
India’s final three games — one more against Belgium and two against China — will be decisive. To avoid finishing last and being relegated to the FIH Nations Cup, India must ideally secure at least seven more points.
The Pro League’s importance goes beyond just prestige. It offers high-quality matches that serve as crucial preparation for events like the World Cup and Olympics. Relegation would mean fewer international matches and reduced exposure for India’s next generation of players.
Tactical Struggles Continue
India’s set-piece defence has been a major concern throughout the season, and Saturday’s game again highlighted the issue — four of Belgium’s five goals came from penalty corners or strokes. Coach Janneke Schopman will need to address this tactical weakness quickly if India is to salvage anything from this campaign.
The Road Ahead
India’s hopes now rest on two must-win games against China and avoiding defeat in the rematch against Belgium. But even that may not be enough if Germany or England pick up unexpected points. It’s a tense finish to a tough European tour, with relegation pressure now hanging heavy.
India needs resilience, sharper execution, and a touch of luck. If not, they may find themselves out of the world’s premier women’s hockey league by season’s end.
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