As the Indian men’s hockey team embarks on the decisive European leg of the 2024–25 FIH Pro League, there is a sense of cautious optimism within the camp.
Having had a break from international hockey since March, the squad led by Harmanpreet Singh now faces eight intense matches between June 7 and June 22 — four in the Netherlands, followed by four in Belgium — against the very best in world hockey.
This stretch of matches, beginning with back-to-back clashes against the Netherlands in Amstelveen, is not just a continuation of the league campaign. It is a pivotal block that could determine India’s Pro League standing and, more crucially, their qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
Where Things Stand
India currently sit third on the FIH Pro League table with 15 points from eight matches, all played earlier this year in Bhubaneswar. They are just one point adrift of joint-leaders England and Belgium, both of whom have also played eight games. Five wins and three defeats represent a strong return so far, but with the upcoming fixtures being played away from home and against elite opponents, the challenge ahead is significantly steeper.
Coach Craig Fulton, however, has opted for a stable, experienced squad to navigate this demanding stretch. “This tournament is slightly different,” he said during the pre-tournament briefing. “We need experience in this block of opposition… I expect to see those senior players lead and help us get on the podium.” As mentioned to PTI
The Big Picture: More Than Just a League
While the Pro League has often been used by teams as a preparatory ground ahead of marquee events like the Olympics or Asian Games, this edition carries extra weight for India. With the 2026 World Cup set to be co-hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands — both of whom have already qualified — and Australia having booked their place by winning the last edition, India have a chance to secure qualification by finishing as the next-best placed team in the league standings.
Failing that, the Asia Cup in August offers another route, but it is a more congested and less predictable path. Fulton and his players are aware that strong performances in Europe could help them avoid that uncertainty.
“If we can get positive results against teams like Belgium, Australia, and the Netherlands away from home, that’s a big statement,” said Fulton. “It not only puts us in a great position in the Pro League, but also confirms our standing going into the Olympic year.”
The Challenge Ahead: Europe Test and Travel Strain
The upcoming run is grueling by any measure. India will play the Netherlands (June 7 & 9), Argentina (June 11), Belgium (June 15), Australia (June 16), and then repeat fixtures against Argentina, Belgium, and Australia until June 22.
Switching from Amstelveen to Antwerp mid-way through the tour also adds to the challenge, particularly for a team that hasn’t played away from home in recent months. To mitigate this, India trained in Ireland and played a series of preparatory matches there, including two against Ireland, both of which they won.
Physical conditioning has been a key part of India’s preparation. “We have six games in nine days,” Fulton said. “Everything is geared around being physically able to cope with the load and being ready for the best teams in the world.”
At the heart of India’s campaign is captain Harmanpreet Singh. The ace drag-flicker, who played through injuries earlier this season, has now returned to full fitness. A fit and firing Harmanpreet could prove to be the difference-maker, especially with penalty corner conversions likely to be crucial in close games.
Youngsters will also have a role to play. Midfielder Rajinder Singh impressed during the Bhubaneswar leg with his vision and work rate, earning him a spot in the European squad. Forward Shilanand Lakra, known for his pace and flair, will be another to keep an eye on as India look to exploit transitions.
Vice-captain Hardik Singh, the tireless midfielder, and experienced names like Manpreet Singh and Mandeep Singh will also be expected to shoulder the responsibility during this packed schedule.
A Tournament Within a Tournament
Given the quality of opposition and the stakes involved, Fulton termed the European leg as “a tournament on its own.” It’s not just about hockey — it’s about travel management, adapting to different playing surfaces, and consistently delivering high-level performances over 15 exhausting days.
Tactically, India are prepared to be flexible. “We’ve been working on different structures — both defensive and attacking,” Fulton noted. “We have different plans for different teams and want to execute them as we go.”
While development and squad depth remain priorities for the coaching staff in the long run, the focus for this tour is firmly on results. The under-21 players remain in the pipeline, but the core senior group has been backed to get the job done.
India have shown the ability to compete with top-tier teams on their day. If they can sustain performance levels throughout this tour, they could not only climb to the top of the Pro League standings but also seal an early ticket to the 2026 World Cup.
“We’ve had a really good camp,” Fulton said. “Now, it’s one game at a time. We need to try and get maximum points out of every single match.”
India’s journey begins tonight in Amstelveen against the Netherlands. The road ahead is tough, but the opportunity is immense.
Where to Watch
TV: Star Sports
Streaming: JioCinema & Disney+ Hotstar
Indian Squad:
Goalkeepers: Krishan Bahadur Pathak, Suraj Karkera
Defenders: Sumit, Amit Rohidas, Jugraj Singh, Nilam Sanjeep Xess, Harmanpreet Singh (C), Jarmanpreet Singh, Sanjay, Yashdeep Siwach
Midfielders: Raj Kumar Pal, Nilakanta Sharma, Hardik Singh (VC), Rajinder Singh, Manpreet Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad, Shamsher Singh
Forwards: Gurjant Singh, Abhishek, Shilanand Lakra, Mandeep Singh, Lalit Kumar Upadhyay, Dilpreet Singh, Sukhjeet Singh
