Berlin, June 29, 2025 — The Indian women’s hockey team has been officially relegated from the 2024–25 FIH Pro League following a resounding 3–0 defeat by China in their penultimate Round‑Robin match in Berlin. This crushing loss sealed their fate, plunging India into the bottom spot in the nine‑team standings .
Penalty Corners Expose Woes
Defensive frailties at penalty corners haunted India yet again. Both goals in the first half came from set pieces—Yang Chen converting in the 21st minute and Ying Zhang doubling the lead five minutes later . A field goal from Anhui Yu in the 45th minute compounded India’s misery . Coach Harendra Singh admitted at halftime that India was conceding “too many soft PCs” (penalty corners) .
Hope Extinguished by Missed Chances
India began positively, earning an early penalty corner in the opening minutes, though they failed to capitalize . A crucial moment arose late in the fourth quarter when India was awarded a penalty stroke—but Deepika’s attempt struck the post, dramatically summing up the night’s misfortune .
Staggering Decline in Form
The Berlin fixture marked India’s seventh consecutive defeat in the European leg of the season . Their record currently stands at just 2 wins in 15 matches, resulting in a meager 10 points and a place at the bottom of the table .
Even if England—the second‑bottom team with 11 points—were to lose to Germany, India’s negative goal difference of around –13 makes survival all but impossible. Relegation to the second‑tier Nations Cup is now inevitable .
Far‑Reaching Consequences
Dropping out of the Pro League will have serious repercussions for India’s development. The tournament guarantees 16 high‑level international matches, played home and away. In contrast, the Nations Cup offers only a week‑long event—far fewer opportunities to challenge top competition ahead of the World Cup and Asian Games .
Underlying Issues Beyond Penalty Corners
Losses against Belgium (1–5) and a draw with Argentina (2–2) earlier in the campaign also saw India concede multiple corner goals—highlighting a persistent weakness in set‑piece defence . The strategic deficiencies extend further: players have been criticized for hesitancy in transitioning attack, lack of imagination, and failing to capitalize on circle entries .
Coach Harendra Singh has defended his squad, calling them a “young team” playing “excellent hockey.” But at an average of 81 caps per player, India is no longer inexperienced—and the results speak otherwise .
What Must Change
A recent ESPN analysis urges India to at least draw one of their remaining matches against China to narrow the gap on goal difference—though it stresses that survival is now largely out of their hands . But the issues afflicting the Indian camp require structural solutions: more robust defence, imaginative attacking tactics, and calm execution during set plays.
Looking Ahead: A Reset and Rebuild
India’s immediate task will be to rebound in the Nations Cup, regain confidence, and rebuild tactical discipline. Failure to do so risks sealing a prolonged absence from elite international hockey—diminishing their exposure and weakening their competitiveness on the global stage.
Final Standing Snapshot (after 15 matches):
India: 10 points (9th, relegated)
England: 11 points (8th)
Germany: 13 points (7th)
India’s fall from grace—from near-Olympic promise to relegation—will demand urgent introspection. As the team heads toward a rebuilding phase, fans and management alike will be watching closely: what changes will be made to ensure the Women in Blue reclaim their place among the world’s top squads?
Discussion about this post