In an era where many Indian team sports are still finding their feet at the global level, Hockey India stands tall as the gold standard not just in terms of results, but more importantly, in terms of planning, vision, and commitment to long-term development of India U21 Women Team.
Nowhere is this more evident than in the recent exploits of the Indian U21 Women’s Hockey Team, which just concluded a superb tour of Europe with a string of outstanding performances against some of the world’s best junior teams.
Consistent International Exposure: A Blueprint for Success
This European tour marked the third consecutive international exposure trip for India’s junior women in 2024–25 a rare and commendable level of investment in youth sports. For a team eyeing the upcoming FIH Junior Women’s World Cup, this kind of consistent, high-level match experience is invaluable.
Unlike many other Indian federations that scramble for last-minute friendlies or lack a structured junior calendar, Hockey India has made it a priority to ensure its U21 sides are not only active but are regularly facing the top nations across continents. The results are showing.
Match Results: Fighting, Learning, Winning
The Indian girls began their campaign with three wins in a row against Belgium (World Rank 7), a European powerhouse known for its tactical discipline and fitness.
•🇧🇪 3-2 Win
•🇧🇪 2-1 Win
•🇧🇪 3-2 Win
All three matches showcased India’s growing maturity in close games something that doesn’t come overnight but is built through regular exposure to tight international matches.
India then took on World No. 5 Australia, and once again, the girls rose to the occasion:
•🇦🇺 2-1 Win
Beating Australia at any level is a serious achievement especially for a junior team on foreign soil. It’s not just about the win, but how they won — with composure, defensive resilience, and clinical finishing.
Finally, in the last match of the tour against the Netherlands, India held their own against a side steeped in hockey tradition. The match ended goalless in regulation, with the Netherlands narrowly winning in a shootout:
•🇳🇱 0(2) – 0(3)
This was the only “loss” of the tour and even that came via a penalty shootout after a deadlock in regular time. It speaks volumes about the team’s growth and belief.
Individual Brilliance and Team Cohesion
The European tour also saw the rise of standout performers like Lalthantluangi, who finished as India’s top scorer with three goals. But this wasn’t a one-woman show. From disciplined defending at the back to smooth transitions in midfield and timely finishes in the circle, the entire squad contributed to this successful run.
What’s encouraging is that this group isn’t just talented they are learning to play as a cohesive, structured unit. The coaching staff deserves credit for inculcating a modern playing style based on speed, fitness, and tactical discipline all of which are prerequisites to survive on the international stage.
Setting the Benchmark in Indian Team Sports
It’s hard to argue that any Indian team sport is doing more for its junior athletes than Hockey India right now. While other federations often struggle with planning, exposure, and athlete development pathways, Hockey India is executing a blueprint that other sports should study closely.
From consistent exposure tours, world-class coaching infrastructure, a visible domestic structure feeding the national teams, and now a clear performance trajectory heading into a Junior World Cup this is how long-term success is built.
And most importantly, the players are responding. There is no point in organising top-tier competitions if the players aren’t ready to compete. But these Indian girls have embraced the challenge and proven they belong at this level.
What Next?
With the FIH Junior Women’s World Cup likely later this year, this European tour serves as perfect preparation not just in terms of match readiness, but in terms of building belief. Beating Australia, Belgium, and going toe-to-toe with the Dutch in their own backyard these are not small feats.
As the countdown begins to the Junior World Cup, India now has a squad that not only has the talent but knows what it takes to win against the best. The challenge will be to maintain this momentum, manage expectations, and stay focused in the months ahead.
Tour Recap: Indian U21 Women’s Hockey Team – Europe Results
Top Scorer: Lalthantluangi – 3 Goals
Overall Record: 4 Wins, 1 Shootout Loss
Unbeaten in Regulation Time:
Final Thoughts
This tour was not just about scores. It was about setting a culture of belief, ambition, and elite preparation. The Indian U21 women’s team has emerged from Europe with their heads held high, their reputations enhanced, and their confidence sky-high.
More than results, what stood out was the intensity, tactical understanding, and mental strength they displayed hallmarks of a team ready for the global stage.
In the hierarchy of Indian team sports, Hockey India is leading the charge, and the junior women just reminded us why.