The Indian women's hockey team is facing relegation from the FIH Pro League after a 3-0 defeat to China in Berlin on Saturday. This loss, their seventh consecutive in the European leg of the tournament, places them at the bottom of the league standings. With only one match remaining, their chances of avoiding relegation are slim.

China dominated the match, scoring goals through Yang Chen (21'), Ying Zhang (26'), and Anhui Yu (45'). India had opportunities to score, including a penalty stroke in the fourth quarter, but failed to convert. Deepika's missed penalty stroke, which hit the post, summed up India's disappointing performance.

India is currently at the bottom of the nine-team standings with 10 points from 15 games, having suffered 10 losses and registered only two wins. Their last victory was in February, when they defeated the Netherlands in a shootout at home. Germany is currently one spot above India with 13 points. Even if India wins against China in their final match, they can only reach 12 points, which is not enough to avoid relegation.

As a result of this defeat and unfavorable standings, the Indian women's hockey team will be relegated from the FIH Pro League to the second-tier FIH Nations Cup in the 2025-26 season.

The match began with India showing promise, earning a penalty corner in the fourth minute, but they were unable to capitalize. China quickly regrouped and also secured a penalty corner, which India defended well. Goalkeeper Savita made crucial saves to deny China, including a save against Guoting Hao's reverse hit in the 13th minute.

China's Chen Yang scored from a penalty corner in the 21st minute, followed by Zhang Ying in the 26th minute, giving China a 2-0 lead at halftime. Anhui Yu's field goal in the 45th minute further solidified China's lead. Although India dominated the third quarter with persistent attacks, they could not penetrate China's defense.

To avoid relegation, India needed a favorable result from the match between Germany and England, as well as a victory against China in their final game. Specifically, if England beat Germany, India would need to win by a significant margin to improve their goal difference. However, a draw between Germany and England would be enough to secure Germany's survival and send India to the FIH Nations Cup.

The FIH Pro League serves as a qualifying event for the 2026 Hockey World Cup. The team finishing last in the FIH Hockey Pro League 2024-25 will be replaced by the winners of the FIH Hockey Nations Cup for the next season.