The Indian women's hockey team faced their third consecutive defeat in the FIH Women's Pro League 2024-25, falling 1-4 to Argentina at the Lee Valley Hockey & Tennis Centre in London on Tuesday, June 17, 2025. This loss follows a 2-3 defeat and a 1-2 setback against Australia earlier in the European leg of the competition.
India started the match with promise, demonstrating a high-octane, fast-paced game. In the first quarter, they created three shots on goal within the first ten minutes, with Salima Tete and Lalremsiami coming close to breaking the deadlock. However, they couldn't convert these early chances. Argentina, in contrast, adopted a more measured approach, maintaining composure and structure while pressing high up the field.
Argentina eventually took the lead in the 29th minute when Victoria Falasco capitalized on a loose ball inside the circle and fired it past the Indian keeper. However, India responded swiftly. With seconds remaining in the second quarter, India earned their first penalty corner, and Deepika executed a powerful drag-flick to level the score just before halftime.
The second half saw India initially on the prowl, but they failed to capitalize on their opportunities. Salima Tete had a golden chance early in the third quarter, but her shot was blocked by the Argentine goalkeeper. Argentina then regained the lead in the 40th minute through an Agustina Gorzelany penalty stroke.
Despite India's efforts to equalize, Argentina extended their lead in the final quarter. Agustina Gorzelany scored again from a penalty stroke in the 54th minute and completed her hat-trick with another penalty corner conversion in the 59th minute, sealing a 4-1 victory for Argentina.
India's coach Janneke Schopman had previously reflected on the need for the team to manage key moments better, a sentiment that rang true after this match. While the team showed tremendous spirit, their inability to convert chances and a late defensive lapse proved costly.
With this defeat, India's current position is seventh in the FIH Pro League 2024-25 standings, accumulating nine points from eleven games. They are scheduled to face Argentina again on Wednesday, June 18, offering an immediate opportunity for redemption. Following their matches in London, the Indian team will travel to Antwerp to play against Belgium on June 21 and 22, before concluding their FIH Pro League (Women) campaign against China in Berlin on June 28 and 29.
