Bhubaneswar – India’s campaign in the 2024-25 FIH Hockey Pro League kicked off with a mix of highs and lows as they faced off against formidable European opponents Spain and the Netherlands at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar. With a new-look squad under the leadership of captain Harmanpreet Singh, the Indian team displayed resilience and tactical prowess but struggled with consistency in their opening matches.
India vs Spain: A Gritty Draw Ends in a Shootout Defeat
In their opening match against Spain on October 15, India put up a determined fight, holding their European rivals to a 3-3 draw in regulation time. The Indian side showcased an aggressive attacking approach, with goals coming from Abhishek, Mandeep Singh, and captain Harmanpreet Singh via a powerful penalty corner. However, defensive lapses allowed Spain to equalize through goals by Enrique Gonzalez and Xavier Gispert.
As per the FIH Pro League format, the game proceeded to a shootout to determine the bonus point. Despite a valiant effort by Indian goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, Spain edged out India 4-3 in the shootout, claiming the additional point.
India vs Netherlands: A Tough Defeat Against the Dutch Powerhouse
India’s second game on October 17 saw them up against the Netherlands, a team ranked among the world’s best. The Dutch side dominated possession and capitalized on India’s defensive errors, securing a 4-2 victory. Despite the loss, India showed moments of brilliance, with Hardik Singh and Gurjant Singh finding the net. However, goals from Jip Janssen, Thierry Brinkman, and Tjep Hoedemakers ensured a comfortable win for the Dutch team.
Key Takeaways from the Matches
- Penalty Corner Efficiency – Harmanpreet Singh continued to be India’s key player in converting penalty corners, but overall execution in set pieces needs improvement.
- Defensive Concerns – Defensive errors proved costly in both matches, highlighting the need for better coordination at the back.
- Attacking Strength – The forward line, led by Mandeep Singh and Abhishek, showed promise with their aggressive pressing and quick counterattacks.
- Goalkeeping Heroics – Veteran PR Sreejesh and young goalkeeper Krishan Pathak both made crucial saves, but India needs to tighten its defensive structure.
Upcoming Challenges
India will now turn their focus to upcoming fixtures against Germany and Argentina, aiming to bounce back and secure crucial points in the league standings. With key lessons learned from their first two encounters, the team hopes to improve their tactical execution and deliver stronger performances.
The Pro League serves as an essential preparatory platform for the upcoming 2026 Hockey World Cup, and India will look to refine their strategies as they progress through the tournament.
