The Indian men’s and women’s hockey teams are set for decisive FIH Pro League 2024-25 matches in Europe, facing top teams like Australia and Argentina. With crucial points at stake, both teams aim to climb the standings.
As the FIH Pro League 2024-25 enters its decisive European phase, both the Indian men’s and women’s hockey teams are gearing up for crucial fixtures that could shape their final standings in the tournament. With high-stakes matches against top-ranked international teams, the Indian squads are determined to prove their mettle on the global stage.
Indian Women’s Team Looks to Climb the Ladder
The Indian women’s hockey team is currently placed sixth in the FIH Pro League standings with nine points. They now head into the second and final leg of the tournament, set to be played in Europe, where they will face formidable opponents including Australia, Argentina, Belgium, and China. This leg is not only vital for improving their rank but also for building momentum ahead of upcoming international events.
Their campaign resumes with two matches against Australia on June 14 and 15 at the Lee Valley Hockey & Tennis Centre in London. Following that, they will take on world powerhouses Argentina on June 17 and 18 at the same venue.
Captain Salima Tete expressed confidence and determination ahead of the challenging fixtures, stating, “Our aim is to play well and defeat the teams that are ranked above us in this leg of the FIH Pro League. To prepare for our matches, we have been recording our performances and reviewing them so we can not only improve upon our weaknesses but also know where we are doing well to continue upon those areas during our matches.”
After completing their matches in London, the Indian women’s team will travel to Antwerp, Belgium to take on the host nation on June 21 and 22. Their final games in the league will be against China in Berlin on June 28 and 29.
With a rigorous schedule and tough opponents ahead, the Indian women’s team is focused on gaining as many points as possible. Their goal is not only to secure a higher finish in the league but also to gather valuable experience and build a strong, cohesive unit ahead of future international competitions, including the Olympic qualifiers.
Indian Men’s Team Aims for Top Three Finish
The Indian men’s hockey team, currently ranked fifth in the standings with 15 points, is also eyeing a strong finish. The team will take on Australia in Antwerp on June 14 and 15 — matches that could prove pivotal in their campaign to finish among the top three.
Speaking about the importance of the upcoming fixtures, Indian men’s team captain Harmanpreet Singh said, “A win against Australia will be very critical for us, as it will not only help us gain crucial points but also give the team a winning momentum. We’ve had a few close games in the last four matches, and while we have been on the losing end, we want to change that and get some wins under our belts.”
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The Indian men’s team has shown flashes of brilliance in the league but has struggled to convert opportunities in key moments. With the tournament now entering its final stages, consistency and execution will be key for the team to maintain pressure on the top-ranked sides.
Fans in India will be able to follow all the action live. The FIH Pro League 2024-25 (Men and Women) matches will be broadcast on Star Sports Select and streamed live on JioCinema and Jio Hotstar.
As both Indian squads head into the European leg of the FIH Pro League, they carry with them the aspirations of millions of fans. These matches not only present a chance to improve rankings but also to build resilience and rhythm ahead of major tournaments like the Paris 2024 Olympics.
