For the India A Men Hockey team, July 2025 will be remembered as a month that tested their depth, resolve, and readiness to challenge the best in Europe.
Over 14 intense days, across the hockey heartlands of Eindhoven, Amstelveen, and Antwerpen, this young squad played eight matches against top European opponents. The result: three wins and five losses a tour that started brightly but ended under the shadow of heavy defeats, offering lessons as well as glimpses of genuine promise.
The tour, part of Hockey India’s broader strategy to nurture future national team stars, showcased individual brilliance, moments of collective resilience, and stark reminders of where Indian hockey must still improve to consistently match the world’s elite.
Building for the Future: The Why Behind the Tour
Announced on July 1, 2025, the tour had a clear purpose: to expose emerging players to the pace, physicality, and tactical complexity of European hockey. Leading the squad was captain Sanjay, with vice-captain Moirangthem Rabichandra Singh offering additional experience. The 20-member team, coached by former India international Shivendra Singh, balanced youth and experience.
Key forwards like Aditya Arjun Lalge, Boby Singh Dhami, and Uttam Singh formed the attacking core, while defenders like Sanjay, Varun Kumar, and Pratap Lakra anchored the backline. In midfield, players such as Mohammed Raheel Mouseen and Vishnukant Singh aimed to control transitions. Goalkeepers Pawan and Mohit Honnenahalli Shashikumar provided a last line of defence.
The itinerary was demanding: two matches each against Ireland, France, and the Netherlands, and one each against England and Belgium. The tour’s real test wasn’t only in the results but in how the team adapted, improved, and responded to adversity.
Match-by-Match: A Tour of Two Halves
A Dream Start
The tour began on July 8 with a dominant 6–1 win over Ireland at Hockey Club Oranje-Rood, Eindhoven. Goals came from across the pitch Uttam Singh, Amandeep Lakra, Aditya Arjun Lalge (brace), Selvam Karthi, and Boby Singh Dhami. The team’s energy, movement off the ball, and clinical finishing stood out.
Two days later, India A bettered that performance with a 6–0 clean sheet against the same opponents. This time, captain Sanjay led from the back, while forwards Uttam Singh and Mohammed Raheel Mouseen (brace) kept the scoreboard ticking. The defence, marshalled by Varun Kumar and Sanjay, looked organised and confident.
On July 12, India A faced France, traditionally a tricky opponent. In a tense contest, the Indian team edged out a 3–2 victory. Forward Aditya Arjun Lalge starred again with two goals one from open play and another from a penalty corner while Boby Singh Dhami added a crucial third. Coach Shivendra Singh praised the team’s tactical discipline and attacking flair, noting, “It’s great to see the work done in training reflect on the field.”
At this point, India A had won three out of three matches. Confidence was high, and the tour’s early narrative was of a team ready to challenge Europe’s best.
Tougher Tests and Slipping Momentum
The following day, India A met France again, but the script flipped. Despite creating opportunities, the team couldn’t score, and France won 2–0. This defeat was the tour’s first setback and hinted at issues that would resurface missed chances and defensive lapses.
On July 15, against England in Amstelveen, India A fought hard. Goals from Maninder Singh and Uttam Singh kept the game close, but England’s tactical structure and sharper finishing edged them to a 3–2 win. The narrow margin reflected India’s fighting spirit but also exposed the need for greater composure in decisive moments.
Three days later, the team faced Belgium in Antwerpen. Conceding three early goals proved costly, despite captain Sanjay’s goal later in the match. The final score—1–3—was a lesson in how early defensive lapses can dictate the outcome against elite opponents.
Facing the Dutch Challenge
The toughest test awaited: back-to-back matches against the Netherlands, historically one of world hockey’s powerhouses.
On July 19, India A struggled to impose themselves, losing 0–3. The Dutch dominated possession and used superior tactical play to keep India A pinned back. It was a reminder of the experience gap between India’s emerging talent and Europe’s seasoned players.
The tour ended on July 21 with a heavy 2–8 defeat. Though Rajinder Singh and Selvam Karthi scored consolation goals, the result underlined defensive weaknesses and fatigue in the Indian side. Coach Singh acknowledged, “Despite a challenging result, the squad displayed determination and potential throughout.”
Who Stood Out: Players Making a Mark
Amid mixed results, several players emerged as positives:
- Aditya Arjun Lalge: Clinical in front of goal, especially with his brace against France. His finishing, movement, and ability to convert penalty corners were highlights.
- Boby Singh Dhami: Consistent across matches, scoring key goals and linking play between midfield and attack.
- Uttam Singh: Contributed early goals, particularly against Ireland, and offered relentless pressing.
- Captain Sanjay: Led by example, scoring against Belgium and organising the defence.
- Mohammed Raheel Mouseen and Amandeep Lakra: Provided depth and creativity, with Mouseen’s brace against Ireland showing his scoring instinct.
These performances suggest a promising future, provided these players build consistency and adapt to higher-level demands.
Strengths and Weaknesses: What the Tour Revealed
Strengths:
- Early aggression: India A started matches strongly, reflecting good preparation and intent.
- Balanced attack: Goals were shared among forwards and defenders, demonstrating team depth.
- Team spirit: The squad showed resilience, particularly after narrow defeats.
Weaknesses:
- Defensive vulnerability: Conceded 16 goals in the last four matches. Defensive organisation faltered against high-pressing teams.
- Inconsistency: After winning the first three games, the team couldn’t sustain momentum against tougher opponents.
- Depth and fitness: Fatigue became apparent in back-to-back matches, with late lapses leading to heavy defeats.
Looking Ahead: Next Steps for Indian Hockey
To compete consistently with Europe’s top sides, India A and by extension, Indian hockey must:
- Strengthen defensive systems: Improve marking, communication, and organization to avoid conceding early goals.
- Convert chances: Greater composure in front of goal can change tight matches.
- Build physical resilience: Conditioning to handle back-to-back games and late-match intensity.
- Expand the talent pool: Identify and prepare more players ready to step in when fatigue or injuries strike.
This tour should be the beginning, not the end, of targeted exposure trips. Combining match practice with tactical training will help bridge the gap with teams like Belgium and the Netherlands.
More than Just Wins and Losses
The India A Men’s Hockey Team’s Europe Tour 2025 ended with three wins and five losses but those numbers tell only part of the story. For players like Lalge, Dhami, and Uttam Singh, it was a chance to test themselves against Europe’s finest. For Hockey India, it provided a clear picture of strengths to build on and gaps to address.
Ultimately, such tours aren’t judged only by the scoreboard. They are investments in experience, resilience, and growth. If Hockey India builds on these lessons, the next time an Indian team tours Europe, the story could be very different and far more successful.
