Indian Women’s Hockey Team Faces Relegation Threat as It Ends Pro League Campaign Against China

The Indian women’s hockey team finds itself in a high-stakes battle for survival as it prepares to wrap up its FIH Pro League campaign against China this weekend. With just 10 points from 14 matches and winless in its last six outings, India is perilously placed at the bottom of the nine-team standings, staring down the barrel of relegation to the second-tier FIH Nations Cup in 2026.

This scenario is far from the resurgence Hockey India had hoped for under returning head coach Harendra Singh. After a promising home leg earlier this year, the team’s European tour turned disastrous with consecutive losses to powerhouses Australia, Argentina, and Belgium. The defeats not only dented morale but also exposed glaring tactical and technical weaknesses.

India now faces fourth-placed China on Saturday and Sunday in must-win encounters. Only full points from both matches can keep India’s Pro League hopes alive and avoid an unceremonious drop to the lower tier.

While the team has shown flashes of attacking intent, poor finishing and ineffective penalty corners have plagued their campaign. Deepika, often tasked with delivering on set pieces, has struggled under pressure, unable to convert crucial chances. Meanwhile, the midfield—anchored by Salima Tete, Lalremsiami, Sharmila Devi, Neha, and an energetic Sunelita Toppo—has consistently created opportunities, only for the forwards to falter in the final third.

The forward line, including Navneet Kaur and Baljeet Kaur, alongside Deepika, has lacked composure and precision in the circle. At the same time, defensive errors, particularly from veterans like Sushila Chanu, have left the backline vulnerable, compounding India’s challenges.

The hiring of Dutch drag-flick specialist Taeke Taekema was intended to boost penalty corner conversions, but results have yet to reflect the desired improvement. The team’s backline remains porous, leaking goals at critical junctures.

With the possibility of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup via the Pro League already gone, India’s immediate focus must be on avoiding relegation. But beyond that, this weekend’s games are an opportunity to reset, rally, and find form ahead of the crucial Asia Cup in Hangzhou this September.

India’s hockey faithful will be hoping for a spirited finish, one that not only salvages pride but also lays the groundwork for a more consistent and competitive future.