The Indian women’s hockey team finds itself in deep trouble after suffering a sixth straight defeat in the FIH Pro League, this time going down 0–2 to hosts Belgium. With just one match left in their European leg and a solitary victory in 14 games, India are now on the brink of relegation from the elite global league.
Slipping Without a Fight
Despite showing flashes of control in possession and attack, the Indian side once again failed to convert opportunities into goals. In contrast, Belgium remained patient and disciplined, waiting until the third quarter to break through. Vanessa Blockmans and Charlotte Englebert scored in quick succession—within just three minutes of each other—punishing India for lapses in defensive concentration.
The Indian forwards created chances and managed several circle entries, but poor finishing and ineffective penalty corner routines meant they could not claw back into the game. In fact, India’s only penalty corner came in the final minutes—a desperate attempt that was easily thwarted by the Belgian defence.
Relegation Fears Heighten
With just 10 points from 14 games, India now sit at the bottom of the Pro League standings. England, just one point ahead, have two matches in hand—leaving India in a perilous position. If England even draw one of their remaining fixtures, India will likely be relegated to the FIH Nations Cup, a lower-tier tournament that acts as a qualifier for the Pro League.
India’s final match in the league is against China, another competitive outfit. A victory is essential—not just to potentially escape the drop, but to regain some pride after a dismal campaign.
A Pattern of Decline
India began their 2024–25 FIH Pro League season with hope but have failed to sustain consistency. Close defeats, missed penalty corners, and a recurring inability to hold shape under pressure have haunted them. Coach Janneke Schopman’s exit in early 2024 and the subsequent transition under new leadership may have also contributed to the team’s lack of cohesion and clarity.
This string of losses marks one of the worst Pro League campaigns in recent Indian women’s hockey history. A once-promising squad that reached the semifinals of the Tokyo Olympics now faces the possibility of being pushed out of the top competitive circle in international hockey.
What Lies Ahead
If relegated, India will need to win the FIH Nations Cup to requalify for the next edition of the Pro League—no small task, given the rising standards across international women’s hockey. Moreover, relegation could impact funding, exposure, and crucial match experience for the team.
With the Asian Champions Trophy and Asian Games qualifiers on the horizon, India must regroup quickly. The talent pool remains strong, but leadership, strategy, and finishing need urgent attention.
India’s fall in the FIH Pro League is not just a poor run of form—it reflects deeper issues in preparation, execution, and team transition. Whether this setback serves as a catalyst for revival or becomes the beginning of a downward spiral will depend on how quickly Indian hockey addresses the cracks—both on and off the turf.
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