The Indian men’s hockey team wrapped up their short tour of Ireland with back-to-back wins, signalling strong intent ahead of the all-important FIH Pro League European leg.
With the Paris Olympic bronze in their back pocket and a World Cup qualification spot up for grabs, the focus has shifted to consistency, intensity, and winning under pressure.
Ireland Series: Mission Accomplished
India defeated Ireland 4-0 in the opening match and followed it up with a tighter 2-1 win in the second. Dilpreet Singh finished the series with three goals, supported by strikes from Mandeep Singh, Harmanpreet Singh, and Shilanand Lakra.
The second game in Dublin was particularly gritty. While the first quarter ended goalless, India struck through Lakra in the second quarter via a swift counterattack. Dilpreet added a second in the final quarter before Ireland pulled one back, setting up a tense finale. India’s defence held firm, including a crucial late penalty corner save that sealed the win.
The wins weren’t just about the scoreline—they reflected a well-oiled defensive unit, sharp transitions, and clinical finishing. Just what head coach Craig Fulton would have wanted as the team gears up for higher-stakes matches.
The Road Ahead: FIH Pro League European Leg
India now turn their attention to the European leg of the FIH Pro League, starting June 7 in Amstelveen, Netherlands. From the initial 55 probables at the national camp, 40 were shortlisted and 24 selected for this demanding tour. India are currently third in the Pro League standings with 15 points, trailing England and Belgium by just a point.
In this phase, India will play six matches in nine days against some of the top-ranked teams—an ideal test of the physical and mental resilience they’ve been building since the national camp.
Intense Preparation, Peak Focus
The Indian team has left nothing to chance in preparation. Vice-captain Hardik Singh described the lead-up to the tour as “nothing short of rigorous,” with fitness sessions designed not only for speed but endurance—hill runs, long distances, and sustained high-intensity drills.
Scientific advisor Alan Tan has been instrumental in pushing the players’ physical limits. With matches coming thick and fast, this base fitness will be critical in maintaining quality across the tour.
One of the strategic advantages of this Pro League leg is that matches will be played at Amstelveen and Antwerp, the two venues that will co-host the 2026 Men’s Hockey World Cup. The Indian squad is approaching this leg as a “World Cup simulation,” gaining not just competitive match time but crucial experience of pitch conditions, atmosphere, and travel patterns.
Pro League Stakes & Scenarios
With the top spot in the Pro League offering direct qualification to the 2026 World Cup, this leg is vital for India. If they fail to secure that spot, the fallback option will be the Asia Cup in Rajgir this August—an event that brings its own pressure.
But with strong momentum and a favourable schedule, India have a realistic shot at wrapping up qualification early. Their performance in Dublin has shown signs of improvement in both structure and intent—qualities that will be needed in matches against Netherlands, Argentina, Australia, and Belgium.
India’s Fixtures – FIH Pro League Europe Leg 🇮🇳
📍 Venue: Amstelveen, Netherlands
- June 7 – Netherlands vs India
- June 9 – Netherlands vs India
- June 11 – Argentina vs India
- June 12 – India vs Argentina
📍 Venue: Antwerp, Belgium
- June 14 – Australia vs India
- June 15 – India vs Australia
- June 21 – Belgium vs India
- June 22 – India vs Belgium
With just four teams currently above or close to India in the standings, this is a golden opportunity to climb to the top and secure that coveted World Cup ticket. The stage is set, the squad is primed, and the campaign begins in Amstelveen.
