India Women’s Hockey Team Faces China In High-Stakes Double Header To Avoid Relegation

With their FIH Pro League campaign hanging by a thread, the Indian women’s hockey team is set to face China in a crucial back-to-back encounter in Berlin on June 28 and 29. After six consecutive losses in the European leg, India must win both matches to avoid relegation to the FIH Nations Cup in 2026 and salvage their 2024–25 season.

 

Key Developments Ahead Of The Clash

 

- India is currently placed ninth in the nine-team table with 10 points from 14 matches  

- China, ranked fourth, poses a formidable challenge in the final leg of the tournament  

- The Indian team has lost six straight matches to Australia, Argentina, and Belgium  

- These matches are India’s last chance to avoid relegation and build momentum ahead of the Asia Cup in September  

 

Performance Breakdown And Tactical Concerns

 

- India’s midfield, led by Salima Tete, Lalremsiami, Sharmila Devi, Neha, and Sunelita Toppo, has shown promise by creating scoring opportunities  

- However, the forward line—featuring Navneet Kaur, Deepika, and Baljeet Kaur—has struggled to convert chances in the circle  

- Penalty corner execution remains a major weakness, with Deepika under pressure as the primary drag-flicker  

- Defensive lapses from Sushila Chanu, Jyoti, Ishika Chaudhary, and others have led to costly goals against  

 

Coaching Pressure And Strategic Adjustments

 

- Head coach Harendra Singh, reinstated earlier this year, is under scrutiny after the team’s poor European run  

- Dutch drag-flick expert Taeke Taekema was brought in to improve set-piece efficiency, but results have not materialized  

- The team is expected to focus on tighter defensive coordination and sharper finishing in the circle  

 

Historical Context And Psychological Edge

 

- India defeated China 3-0 in the pool stage and 1-0 in the final of the Asian Champions Trophy in November 2024  

- However, in the previous Pro League season, China won both matches against India 2-1  

- Captain Salima Tete emphasized drawing inspiration from the Indian men’s team, who ended their Pro League campaign with a win over Belgium  

 

What’s At Stake

 

- A loss in either match would confirm India’s relegation from the Pro League  

- With direct World Cup qualification via the league now out of reach, India must win the Asia Cup in Hangzhou to secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup  

- These matches are not just about survival but also about restoring confidence and cohesion ahead of future tournaments  

 

Sources: Outlook India, The Hindu, UNI India, News18, Sportstar, Indian Express