The Indian Women's Hockey team is facing a critical juncture in the FIH Pro League 2024-25 season, teetering on the brink of relegation. After a string of defeats, including a recent 2-0 loss to Belgium, the team's Pro League status hangs in the balance as they sit at the bottom of the league standings. With their final matches against China looming, the pressure is immense.
Currently placed ninth in the nine-team table with only 10 points from 14 games, India's performance has been far from satisfactory. A six-match losing streak has compounded their woes, leaving them vulnerable to relegation to the FIH Nations Cup in 2026, a second-tier tournament. This is not the scenario Hockey India envisioned when Harendra Singh was brought back as head coach.
The team's struggles have been attributed to a combination of factors. Despite moments of impressive midfield play, the forward line has struggled to convert opportunities into goals. Defensive lapses at crucial moments have also cost them dearly. In the defeat against Belgium, for instance, India conceded two goals in quick succession in the third quarter, highlighting a lack of concentration and resilience under pressure.
The upcoming matches against China are now a do-or-die situation for the Indian team. China, the reigning Asian Games champions, will be a formidable opponent. To avoid relegation, India needs to secure positive results, which means winning at least one, if not both, of these matches. A victory against China is essential not only to escape the drop but also to restore some pride after a dismal campaign.
Relegation from the Pro League would have significant repercussions for Indian women's hockey. It could lead to reduced funding and exposure, limiting the team's opportunities to compete against top-tier nations. It would also impact their chances of gaining valuable match experience, which is crucial for their development and preparation for major tournaments like the Asian Champions Trophy and Asian Games qualifiers.
The team's current predicament marks a significant decline from their performance at the Tokyo Olympics, where they reached the semi-finals. This raises questions about the factors contributing to this downturn. The departure of coach Janneke Schopman earlier in 2024 and the subsequent transition to new leadership may have disrupted the team's cohesion and clarity. The team has struggled with consistency, and close defeats and missed penalty corners have become a recurring theme.
Looking ahead, the Indian team needs to regroup and address their shortcomings urgently. They must improve their finishing in the circle, tighten their defense, and maintain composure under pressure. The matches against China present an opportunity to demonstrate their resilience and fighting spirit. A strong performance in these crucial encounters could not only save them from relegation but also serve as a foundation for rebuilding and regaining their position among the elite teams in international women's hockey.
