Placed sixth in the current FIH Pro League standings with nine points from eight games, the Indian women’s hockey team is all set for a crucial European leg of the 2024-25 season.
The upcoming matches in London, Antwerp, and Berlin from 14 to 29 June will see India face off against Australia, Argentina, Belgium, and China, each twice, in what is set to be a litmus test for Harendra Singh’s young and evolving squad.
Leadership and Squad Composition
India will be led by the tenacious Salima Tete, a midfielder known for her relentless pace and control. Supporting her in leadership duties is Navneet Kaur, a vastly experienced forward who has been named vice-captain.
The squad reflects a deliberate mix of youth and experience, featuring names like:
- Goalkeepers: Savita, Bichu Devi Kharibam
- Defenders: Deepika, Sushila Chanu, Ishika Chaudhary, Baljeet Kaur, Sakshi Rana
- Midfielders: Salima Tete, Vaishnavi Phalke, Mahima Tete, Sujata Kujur
- Forwards: Navneet Kaur, Sharmila Devi, Lalremsiami, Beauty Dungdung, Deepika Soreng
Several fresh faces like Sunelita Toppo and Manisha Chauhan also feature in the team, underlining Harendra Singh’s commitment to grooming the next generation alongside seasoned performers.
A Tough Outing in Bhubaneswar
Earlier this year, India hosted the Bhubaneswar leg of the Pro League, where they managed two wins, two draws, and four losses. They kicked off strongly, securing a 3-2 win and a draw against England, but momentum dipped with three straight losses.
A narrow 1-0 win over Germany revived hopes before India ended the leg with two gritty performances against Olympic champions Netherlands—a 2-4 loss followed by a shootout win after a 2-2 draw.
These matches helped the coaching staff identify both strengths and areas requiring urgent attention. “The Pro League matches in Bhubaneswar showed us where we stand,” said chief coach Harendra Singh. “We’ve taken those lessons seriously, and the group is hungry to raise our performance level.”
Australia Tour: Valuable Lessons Learned
Before heading to Europe, India toured Australia for a five-match series. Despite winning only one match, Singh believes the experience was invaluable. “We’ve gone with a balanced squad that blends experience with young talent. The European leg is a crucial phase of the Pro League, and we are expecting high-intensity matches,” he said.
Singh emphasized the need for mental toughness and tactical discipline, highlighting that every player in the squad had earned their spot through performances in camps and recent matches. “Our goal is to build momentum and grow as a team with every match.”
European Leg Schedule
- 14 June: India vs Australia
- 15 June: India vs Australia
- 17 June: Argentina vs India
- 18 June: India vs Argentina
- 21 June: Belgium vs India
- 22 June: Belgium vs India
- 28 June: China vs India
- 29 June: India vs China
With eight more matches to play, this leg provides a massive opportunity for India to improve its position in the standings.
What’s at Stake?
The stakes are high. The winner of the FIH Pro League 2024-25 will earn a direct berth to the 2026 World Cup, a huge incentive for teams battling at the top. Meanwhile, the team that finishes last among the nine participants will face relegation to the FIH Nations Cup 2025-26, making every point critical.
With nine points so far, India sits in sixth place and must deliver consistent performances to avoid slipping further down the table. The European leg will not only determine India’s fate in the current season but also shape its trajectory leading into a packed 2026 international calendar.
