The Indian women hockey team’s journey in the FIH Pro League 2024–25 proved to be a testing one a campaign that began with flashes of promise but ended in relegation.
For a team that captured national imagination with a historic fourth-place finish at the Tokyo Olympics, this outcome feels like a step backwards. Yet, even amid disappointment, there were moments that hinted at progress and promise for the future.
From promising start to painful slide
The season opened brightly. Playing in Bhubaneswar, India edged out England 3–2 thanks to goals from young talents like Vaishnavi Phalke and Deepika, capped by a late winner from Navneet Kaur. That was followed by a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Germany, again with Deepika converting from a penalty corner. For a moment, India climbed to seventh in the standings, and optimism surged around a side that showed tactical discipline, intent, and dynamism in attack.
However, as the league moved overseas, momentum slipped. Against top-ranked teams like Australia, Argentina, and Belgium, India struggled to turn competitive play into points. There were brave moments: coming back from 0–2 down to draw 2–2 with Argentina before losing in the shootout, and fighting from three goals down to narrow the deficit against Australia to 2–3. These efforts reflected determination, but ultimately couldn’t stop the slide.
The European leg proved especially punishing, with eight consecutive defeats, including a narrow 2–3 loss to China in the final game — a result that confirmed India’s relegation to the FIH Nations Cup for the 2025–26 season.
What went wrong? A closer look at the shortcomings
The campaign’s struggles were shaped by a combination of structural issues and unfortunate circumstances:
Defensive frailties and injuries:
India’s defence was severely tested after losing three first-choice players Nikki Pradhan, Udita, and Sushila Chanu to injuries. As a result, midfielders like Jyoti Singh and Vaishnavi Phalke had to step into defensive roles, disrupting the team’s structure. The effect was evident: over 50 penalty corners conceded, with nearly 35% converted by opponents.
Conversion and composure:
Despite frequent circle penetrations and build-up play, India often failed to convert chances. Missed penalty corners, hurried shots, and lapses in the final pass meant the team couldn’t consistently punish higher-ranked opponents.
Fitness and endurance:
The physical demands of double-round fixtures against pressing teams like Australia and European sides exposed endurance gaps. Both coach Harendra Singh and senior players acknowledged that fatigue and slower recovery in second halves became chronic weaknesses.
Consistency and experience:
Fielding a relatively young squad, India lacked the steady rhythm and match-tempered experience of rivals. This was particularly clear in the European phase, where momentum evaporated and results soured without the chance to reset.
Bright spots: What went well
Amid the setbacks, there were positives that suggest a path forward:
Emergence of young talent:
Deepika, Vaishnavi Phalke, and Sunelita Toppo all had standout moments, demonstrating depth and potential for the future. Deepika, in particular, was a consistent attacking threat and delivered under pressure.
Fighting spirit against top teams:
India’s rallies against powerhouses like Argentina and Australia, though ultimately unsuccessful, showcased resilience. Despite the ranking gap, India wasn’t overpowered but rather edged out tactically highlighting areas to fine-tune rather than fundamental deficits in talent.
Strong goalkeeping:
Captain Savita Punia was a pillar of stability, making crucial saves that kept India competitive in several games, even as the defence came under sustained pressure.
Narrow margins:
Barring two matches, India’s losses were mostly by small margins. Coach Harendra Singh noted that, despite finishing last, India was “very competitive,” hinting at potential unlocked by better execution.
The bitter pill: Relegation to the FIH Nations Cup
Finishing at the bottom of the standings with limited points, India’s relegation means stepping away from the Pro League’s top tier next season. The team now faces the challenge of regaining its place via the FIH Nations Cup a tournament where several other ambitious sides will also be fighting for promotion.
The road ahead: Reset and rebuild
Coach Harendra Singh and the team’s leadership have outlined clear priorities for the next phase:
Rebuilding defensive strength: Recovering injured defenders to full fitness and developing depth in defensive positions, alongside improving penalty-corner defence.
Enhanced physical conditioning: Introducing more rigorous training to boost endurance, agility, and injury resistance, critical for competing against fast-paced, pressing teams.
Balancing youth and experience: Reintegrating senior players post-injury, while continuing to develop promising young athletes, especially targeting upcoming tournaments like the Asian Champions Trophy and the 2026 World Cup cycle.
Tactical evolution: Improving composure in tight matches, sharpening penalty conversion rates, and refining game management to better handle pressure moments.
Regional focus: With China’s rise as a regional power, reclaiming Asian dominance in tournaments like the Asia Cup and Asian Champions Trophy becomes a near-term priority.
Long-term vision: These efforts are part of a broader goal: to qualify for and compete strongly at the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Olympics. Both coach and players see this tough season as a learning experience — not a lasting setback.
The FIH Pro League 2024–25 served as a reminder that international hockey offers little room for error, and that progress is rarely linear. Yet, even in relegation, there were glimpses of a team willing to fight, adapt, and rebuild.
With emerging young talent, lessons absorbed, and a clear roadmap, the Indian women’s hockey team has the tools to turn this chapter into motivation. The journey continues and if history is any guide, setbacks like these often sow the seeds of the next resurgence.
