The Indian men's hockey team began their European leg of the FIH Pro League 2024-25 with a narrow 2-1 defeat against the Netherlands at the Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen on Saturday, June 7, 2025. This loss places India fourth in the FIH Pro League 2024-25 points table with 15 points from nine matches. The Netherlands, reigning Olympic champions, now sit at the top with 17 points from the same number of matches.
India started the match strongly, maintaining possession and displaying crisp passing despite the Netherlands' high press. The first quarter ended goalless as the Dutch defense stood firm against India's early attacks. Both teams upped the ante in the second quarter, and India earned a penalty corner in the 19th minute when Dilpreet Singh was impeded inside the circle. Captain Harmanpreet Singh converted the penalty corner with a powerful, low drag-flick, giving India a 1-0 lead.
The Netherlands responded aggressively, with Steijn van Heijningen testing Indian goalkeeper Suraj Karkera in the 17th minute, but Karkera made a good save. The Dutch persistence paid off in the 25th minute when Thijs van Dam found the equalizer, leveling the score at 1-1 before halftime. Harmanpreet Singh was dispossessed just outside India's circle by van Heijningen, who then fed van Dam, who despite slipping, managed to get a shot away to score.
The third quarter saw the Netherlands become more aggressive, creating more scoring opportunities, but neither side could break the deadlock, and the score remained 1-1. India showcased their strong passing game in the second half, but they struggled to create enough clear-cut scoring chances. India attempted to bypass the midfield with long aerial balls, but the Dutch defenders were equal to the task.
The game appeared to be heading towards a shootout until, in the 58th minute, Thijs van Dam scored his second goal, securing a 2-1 victory for the Netherlands. Van Dam capitalized on a well-placed pass into the circle, controlling the ball with a deft first touch before unleashing a fierce strike past Suraj Karkera.
After the match, Captain Harmanpreet Singh acknowledged that the team performed well for the first three quarters but emphasized the need for perfection throughout the entire game. He stressed the importance of maintaining a strong defensive structure and playing with more control when in possession. "First match after so long, we did a great job for the first three quarters,” Harmanpreet said. “But you have to be perfect throughout, till the last minute, we need to keep in mind that defence is our first priority, so we need to improve our structure. With the ball, we are forcing it too much, we need to play with more control.”
The Indian men's hockey team will have another opportunity to face the Netherlands in their next FIH Pro League match on Monday. The team will be looking to bounce back and improve their performance in the second match of the European leg. India will aim to climb the points table and secure a spot in the 2026 Men's FIH Hockey World Cup.
