There was heartbreak yet again for the Indian Women’s Hockey Team as they slumped to their seventh consecutive defeat in the 2024–25 FIH Pro League, this time falling 0–3 to a clinical China.
With this result, India is mathematically relegated from the top-tier Pro League and will now compete in the FIH Nations Cup next season.
Despite showing promise in patches and creating several opportunities, India’s finishing woes continued. A missed penalty stroke, unconverted penalty corners, and defensive lapses proved costly. Goals from Chen Yang (21’), Zhang Ying (26’), and Anhui Yu (45’) sealed the win for China, who continue to consolidate their position in the top half of the table.
A Familiar Pattern of Missed Chances
India began brightly, showing intent from the very first quarter. Baljeet Kaur had the first real chance in the third minute, but her attempt from the top of the circle missed the target. Soon after, India earned back-to-back penalty corners, but Deepika failed to convert either.
China, playing with confidence after their silver medal finish at the Paris Olympics, absorbed the pressure and slowly found rhythm. Veteran goalkeeper Savita Punia made some excellent saves in the opening quarter, including a sharp block to deny Guoting Hao.
But as the match wore on, the cracks in India’s defence began to show particularly during penalty corners.
China’s Ruthless PC Efficiency
China’s first two goals both came from penalty corners an area India’s head coach Harendra Singh had highlighted as a weakness at halftime, lamenting: “We are giving away too many soft PCs.”
Chen Yang’s opener in the 21st minute left Savita with no chance, while Zhang Ying’s strike five minutes later highlighted a complete defensive breakdown. The ball rolled cleanly between defender Jyoti Singh’s legs a moment symptomatic of India’s struggles this season.
In the third quarter, despite enjoying more possession and pushing China deep into their own half, India were caught off guard on the counter as Anhui Yu made it 3–0 with a beautifully taken field goal. Against the run of play, it sealed the fate of the match and India’s campaign.
The Penalty Stroke That Summed Up the Campaign
If there was any hope of a comeback, it came in the 55th minute when India earned a penalty stroke. Deepika stepped up a chance to at least reduce the deficit but struck the post. That moment symbolised the Indian team’s misfortunes and lack of composure in decisive moments.
It was India’s last major opportunity, and the miss cemented another goalless outing.
Underwhelming Campaign Ends in Relegation
With this defeat, India stays rooted at the bottom of the nine-team standings, with just 10 points from 15 games. Even a win in their final match against China on Sunday will not be enough to escape relegation, as Germany—currently one spot above India—has 13 points and a superior goal difference.
2024–25 FIH Pro League (after latest matches):
- 🇳🇱 Netherlands Winners
- 🇬🇧 England – 14 pts
- 🇩🇪 Germany – 13 pts
- 🇮🇳 India – 10 pts (15 matches)
As things stand, India will be relegated to the second-tier FIH Nations Cup for the 2025–26 season, losing out on the opportunity to play regularly against the world’s top sides.
Coaching Debate: Divided Opinions Surface
The Indian hockey fanbase and expert circles are now once again divided over coaching decisions. Many on social media have pointed fingers at the Hockey India leadership for sacking former coach Janneke Schopman earlier this year.
Some critics argue that India’s Olympic qualification failure happened under Schopman, while others suggest her removal set back long-term progress. Head coach Harendra Singh, who took charge for this Pro League leg, has shown tactical improvements, but results have not followed.
To his credit, Harendra has insisted on the importance of process over panic. “There’s a lot of promise in this team. But we need sharper execution and consistency. We can’t afford to let moments slip like we have today,” he said after the match.
A Question of Mental Fortitude and Execution
India’s biggest issue throughout this European leg of the Pro League has been their inability to convert pressure into goals. The midfield has been fluid, the team has generated decent circle penetrations, and Savita has continued to shine in goal. Yet, the front line has lacked ruthlessness, and the defence has been repeatedly undone by poor penalty corner defending and positional errors.
India has now failed to score in four of their last five matches and has conceded soft goals at crucial junctures.
A Look Ahead: Reset Required
As India prepares to wrap up its campaign with another game against China on Sunday, there is little more than pride at stake. A win won’t change their relegation status, but it could provide a much-needed confidence boost going forward.
The Indian women’s hockey setup will now have to rethink its priorities ahead of next season. A clear direction is needed be it in terms of coaching continuity, leadership on the pitch, or tactical clarity.
With Olympic qualification now behind them and Pro League relegation confirmed, India’s next big assignment will be the FIH Nations Cup, where they must aim for promotion and restore some of the credibility lost in this campaign.
China’s rise since their first Olympic appearance in 2000 has been consistent and calculated. They are now among the continent’s top teams and are eyeing global success. India, once a proud Asian powerhouse, now finds itself at a crossroads struggling with results, plagued by indecision, and facing an identity crisis.
A better performance in the final match could ease some of the frustration, but real change will only come with introspection, planning, and unwavering support for a squad that still holds promise—if it’s backed the right way.
Final Score: China 3 – 0 India
Next match: India vs China – July 1
Let’s hope the Indian Women can finish the season on a high. But the real work begins after the final whistle.
