The Indian men's hockey team faced the Netherlands in a closely contested FIH Pro League match on June 7, 2025, ultimately losing 2-1. This defeat has significant implications for India's position in the league standings and their quest for a spot in the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026.
India started the match aggressively, aiming for quick attacks, but the Dutch defense stood strong, resulting in a 0-0 score at the end of the first quarter. In the second quarter, India earned a penalty corner in the 19th minute, which captain Harmanpreet Singh skillfully converted with a powerful drag-flick, putting India ahead 1-0. The Netherlands responded, winning back-to-back penalty corners in the 22nd minute, but India defended these well, maintaining their lead. However, the Netherlands found an equalizer in the 25th minute through T. van Dam, ending the first half with the score level at 1-1.
The third quarter saw the Netherlands increase their aggression, creating more scoring opportunities than India. Despite their efforts, neither team could find the net, leaving the score unchanged at 1-1 heading into the final quarter. The game appeared destined for a shootout until, in the 58th minute, T. van Dam scored his second goal, securing a 2-1 victory for the Netherlands.
With this result, the Netherlands climbed to the top of the FIH Pro League 2025 standings, while India slipped to fourth place. India now holds 15 points from 9 matches, while the Netherlands leads with 17 points from the same number of matches.
India played the Netherlands again on June 9, 2025, seeking to avenge their previous loss. India is currently fourth with 15 points, and with seven matches remaining, they have a good chance to move up in the standings. Qualification for the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 is at stake, so the team will be looking to perform well in the remaining games and earn as many points as possible against tough opponents.
In their previous match, India took an early lead when Harmanpreet Singh converted a penalty corner. However, the Netherlands, the reigning Olympic champions, came back strongly, with Thijs van Dam scoring twice, including the match-winning goal in the 58th minute, to give the Netherlands a 2-1 victory. Even though the outcome was not in their favor, the Indian team displayed promising signs, particularly in the game's early stages.
The Indian squad includes Abhishek, Araijeet Singh Hundal, Suraj Karkera, Shilanand Lakra, Raj Kumar Pal, Krishan Bahadur Pathak, Vivek Sagar Prasad, Rajinder Singh, Amit Rohidas, Sanjay, Nilakanta Sharma, Angad Bir Singh, Arshdeep Singh, Dilpreet Singh, Gurjant Singh, Hardik Singh, Harmanpreet Singh, Jarmanpreet Singh, Jugraj Singh, and Mandeep Singh.
