The Indian women’s hockey team is on the brink of relegation from the FIH Pro League 2024–25, sitting at the bottom of the nine-team table with just 10 points from 14 matches. With only two games remaining—both against Asian rivals China—Harendra Singh’s side must deliver back-to-back wins to avoid demotion to the FIH Nations Cup.
⚠️ Current Standings and Relegation Threat
- India: 10 points, 2 outright wins
- England: 11 points, 3 wins
- Germany: 13 points, 3 wins
- Only the last-placed team will be relegated from the Pro League
- India’s fate is no longer entirely in their hands, as they must also rely on England and Germany dropping points in their head-to-head clashes
🧮 Scenarios for Survival
- Best-case: India wins both matches in regulation time (6 points total), reaching 16 points
- England and Germany must fail to reach 16 points
- Moderate-case: India wins one match and draws the other (with or without shootout bonus)
- Still possible to survive, but only if England or Germany lose both matches outright
- Worst-case: India loses even one match
- Relegation becomes almost certain, given the tiebreaker rules favor teams with more outright wins
“We will play to our strengths and take inspiration from the men’s team,” said captain Salima Tete, referencing the Indian men’s recent win over Belgium
🔍 Performance Woes and Tactical Gaps
- India is winless in their last six matches, with poor penalty corner conversion and defensive lapses
- Despite a strong midfield led by Salima Tete, Neha, and Sunelita Toppo, the forward line has struggled to finish chances
- Drag-flick expert Taeke Taekema was brought in to improve set-pieces, but results remain underwhelming
🏑 What’s at Stake
- Relegation to the Nations Cup would mean missing out on top-tier international exposure
- It could also impact World Cup qualification pathways and team morale ahead of the Asia Cup in September 2025
- The Pro League has evolved into a critical platform for Olympic preparation and global rankings
📌 Why It Matters
- India’s women’s team has been a symbol of resurgence in recent years, and relegation would be a major setback
- The final matches against China are not just about survival—they’re about restoring belief and momentum
🔁 Share this article to rally support for the Indian women’s hockey team as they fight to stay in the Pro League.
