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Indian Express
a day ago
- Sport
- Indian Express
Hockey: Indian women's team face relegation from Pro League – here are scenarios and what's at stake for Harendra Singh's side
Over this weekend in Berlin, the women's FIH Pro League season will come to a close with six teams in action in double-headers. There has been little doubt about which team will finish top of the table, because there really is no one close to the Netherlands in women's hockey at the moment. Having wrapped up the title, the Olympic champions will face Belgium in a no-stakes top three clash. It is at the bottom of the table where the real drama lies. And it involves an Indian team desperate to earn some points to stay in the league for the next season. The three teams that are locked in the battle to avoid relegation are Germany, England and China. While India will face Asian rivals – and arguably the most-improved women's international hockey side in the recent year or so – China, Germany and England go up against each other. With 9 teams competing in the Pro League (both men's and women's), there are two main storylines to follow. Closer to the top, there is a spot to be won at the World Cup next year (for teams that have not already qualified). And at the bottom, the last-placed team gets relegated from the Pro League for the following year. When the Pro League began, there were initially doubts around the importance of the tournament in the calendar and not many teams were sold on it – including India. But gradually, it has gained prominence and relevance. Many teams still see it as a platform to groom talent but results have a meaning because there are end-goals to work towards. After 14 matches played, India are at the bottom of the table with 10 points, having won twice in regulation time, and once earning the shootout bonus after a draw. Germany and England have 13 points and 11 points, respectively. A reminder of the points system: An outright win within regulation time of four quarters means a team will be awarded 3 points. A draw means both teams will earn 1 point before a shootout is played. Then 1 bonus point is awarded to the winner of the shootout. There are no points to the loser of a match in normal time. For tiebreakers, the first criterion is number of wins, followed by goal difference and then goals for. Former India coach Janneke Schopman is the current head coach of Germany and she'd have been mighty relieved after beating China in a tense match on Wednesday, getting one over a familiar rival in Alyson Annan. Germany have destiny in their own hands as they just have to avoid losing outright against England in both matches. England, just below Germany, would be hoping to pull off at least one outright win. David Ralph's side had a fairly productive home leg in London, where they registered two important wins to earn six massive points – one against Australia and another versus Spain, a mighty impressive 4-1 win in the last match at Lee Valley. It is that result that pushed them above India into a relatively comfortable position. India meanwhile, face two daunting matches against Alyson's China, who'd be smarting after the defeat against Germany. China are, of course, the Paris Olympics silver medallists too and will be red-hot favourites to win the Asia Cup later this year. India coach Harendra Singh, on the other hand, has seen his side suffer two close defeats against Australia, and managed to hold Argentina to a draw, and then lost twice against Belgium. For Schopman's Germany, it's simple and in their own hands. They just have to win more points than England. Two draws against England would be enough if they lose both the shootouts. Given their much better goal difference, one outright win for Germany would be enough as India can only equal them in that case. If they lose both matches, however, they'd be under pressure. England are just one point ahead of India, so they are vulnerable too if they can't get a couple of points at least from Germany. England will be safe if India lose both their matches. If England win at least one match against Germany, India will need at least four points from six against China. Finally, India have the toughest task of all three teams. They need at least one positive result from the two matches against China, not easy to begin with. If India get 3 points at least out of 6, England will be forced to win at least one match against Germany. If India somehow get 6 points, they'd still be dependent on England dropping at least one point against Germany. If India do get relegated, then they would have to compete in the next edition of FIH Nations Cup – which is the route they took to earn their current spot in the league. The biggest downside of not being in the Pro League, especially leading up to a World Cup-cum-Asian Games year in 2026, would the lack of structured matches against the best teams in the world. Teams outside the Pro League would be dependent on arranging bilateral Test matches against top teams, and that would be contingent on said teams having time off from their calendars. Even when Pro League wasn't always a priority tournament, it played a big role in the Indian men's team's run to bronze in Tokyo – just the regularity of competing at the top. Having already suffered the setback of not qualifying for Paris 2024, this would further set Indian women's hockey back. Vinayakk Mohanarangan is Senior Assistant Editor and is based in New Delhi. ... Read More
The Hindu
a day ago
- Sport
- The Hindu
FIH Pro League: Under pressure Indian women look to snap 6-match losing streak; avoid relegation
The Indian women's hockey team would look to break its six-match losing streak and avoid relegation from the FIH Pro League with positive results against China, starting with the first match in Berlin on Saturday (June 28, 2025). The Indian women are currently placed at the bottom of the nine-team table with 10 points from 14 games and are in danger of relegation to the second tier FIH Nations Cup in 2026. It's not what Hockey India had in its mind when Harendra Singh was brought back on board as the head coach. After a relatively good outing at home leg earlier this year, the Indian women lost six consecutive matches against Australia, Argentina and Belgium (two matches against one opponent) in the European leg of the tournament. India will be determined to sign off their Pro League campaign with valuable wins in back-to-back matches against fourth placed China on Saturday and Sunday here. The Indians might have suffered six straight defeats, but they played good, attacking hockey here. But their inability to utilise their chances upfront and convert penalty corners did them in. There was too much pressure on Deepika to score from penalty corners and she fumbled under pressure on quite a few occasions. The Indian midfield though impressed with the likes of Salima Tete, Lalremsiami, Sharmila Devi, Vaisnavi Vitthal Phalke and Neha creating enough chances for the forward line. Sunelita Toppo, in particular, was a live wire in the midfield, and threatened the opposition defence with her brilliant stick work and runs. But the strikers let India down as the likes of Navneet, Deepika, Baljeet Kaur and others struggled to get the decisive final touch. The backline comprising Sushila Chanu, Jyoti, Ishika Chaudhary, Jyoti Chatri and Suman Devi Toudam too were guilty of committing silly mistakes under pressure. But with relegation looming, the Indian women can't afford to commit any mistakes in their last two matches. Harendra too would be under immense pressure to help his wards to deliver for two complete performances this weekend. Before the European leg, Harendra roped in Dutch great Taeke Taekema to work with the drag-flickers but that move hasn't translated into results. The Indians have literally struggled to convert their chances besides being sloppy at the back. Having lost the chance to qualify directly for next year's World Cup through Pro League, India will need to win the Asia Cup in Hangzhou in September to book their berth in the quadrennial event.
Business Recorder
2 days ago
- Sport
- Business Recorder
FIH yet to decide NZ replacement in Pro League, denies inviting Pakistan
The International Hockey Federation (FIH) clarified on Thursday that it has not yet reached the stage of inviting a replacement team for the upcoming FIH Pro League, following reports that Pakistan had been invited to participate. FIH Senior Manager of Communications, Nicolas Mangot told Geo News that as per the tournament regulations, the winner of the Nations Cup earns the right to participate in the next edition of the Pro League. Pakistan must fix defence to beat New Zealand in FIH Nations Cup final: Hassan Sardar 'If the winning team declines the invitation, the runner-up may be considered. However, New Zealand, the winner of the Nations Cup, has not yet provided any update regarding its participation,' Mangot added. The clarification comes in response to reports claiming that the FIH had extended an invitation to the Pakistan hockey team after New Zealand reportedly opted out. Earlier, several media outlets had reported that Pakistan had been offered a place in the elite Pro League after New Zealand declined to participate. However, the FIH has now confirmed that no final decision has been made regarding a substitute team.
The Advertiser
4 days ago
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Germans claw their way back to thwart Kookaburras
The Kookaburras are ruing missed opportunities after Germany stormed back from two goals down to claim a 3-2 win in Berlin. It was the home nation's first FIH Pro League meeting of the European campaign. The match on Tuesday (Wednesday AEST) fell on a special occasion for Queensland defender Tim Howard, who made his 150th international appearance in green and gold, as the Kookaburras sought to atone for their 1-2 loss to England. Australia came out with the intensity that had seen them win five from six matches on their European tour. But a second-half resurgence from Germany flipped the script, with the hosts delivering a blistering third quarter to snatch the lead and hold on in the final minutes. "It was a tough game out there today,'' Howard said after the match. "I've played with and against a lot of the guys over here in Germany in their domestic competition and they're a really tough team. "They made the most of their opportunities and they really pushed after what was probably a poor start.'' Despite the loss, Howard said his milestone reflected how much he loved the sport and the team. "The past 150 games have been amazing,'' he said. "I'm loving it a lot, I'm loving it more than I probably ever have, and I'm very grateful to still be playing. "I love this team, I love playing international hockey, so I'll try and do it for as long as I can." Kookaburras coach Mark Hager made four changes to the side that went down to England on Sunday night, including the return of prolific striker Blake Govers. Within three minutes, Govers rocketed home the opener off his right foot, his 161st international goal and his seventh in four games of the European tour. Drag-flick specialist Joel Rintala then scored with a thunderous strike to double Australia's lead midway through the first quarter. Germany responded in the second quarter, striking back through Gonzalo Peillat. Australia's Ash Thomas was suddenly the busier of the two keepers, while Howard marked his milestone with a crucial tackle on the halftime buzzer to preserve the Kookaburras' 2-1 lead. However, the third quarter belonged to Germany. They levelled early with a well-worked field goal, then struck again moments later off a penalty corner to take the lead for the first time. Both sides fought hard in the fourth quarter as Australia pushed desperately for an equaliser. Despite a late surge and mounting pressure, the Kookaburras couldn't find a way to send the match to a shootout. The Netherlands lead the standings on 35 points, with the Kookaburras second on 27 points, with Belgium third and Germany fourth. The Kookaburras are ruing missed opportunities after Germany stormed back from two goals down to claim a 3-2 win in Berlin. It was the home nation's first FIH Pro League meeting of the European campaign. The match on Tuesday (Wednesday AEST) fell on a special occasion for Queensland defender Tim Howard, who made his 150th international appearance in green and gold, as the Kookaburras sought to atone for their 1-2 loss to England. Australia came out with the intensity that had seen them win five from six matches on their European tour. But a second-half resurgence from Germany flipped the script, with the hosts delivering a blistering third quarter to snatch the lead and hold on in the final minutes. "It was a tough game out there today,'' Howard said after the match. "I've played with and against a lot of the guys over here in Germany in their domestic competition and they're a really tough team. "They made the most of their opportunities and they really pushed after what was probably a poor start.'' Despite the loss, Howard said his milestone reflected how much he loved the sport and the team. "The past 150 games have been amazing,'' he said. "I'm loving it a lot, I'm loving it more than I probably ever have, and I'm very grateful to still be playing. "I love this team, I love playing international hockey, so I'll try and do it for as long as I can." Kookaburras coach Mark Hager made four changes to the side that went down to England on Sunday night, including the return of prolific striker Blake Govers. Within three minutes, Govers rocketed home the opener off his right foot, his 161st international goal and his seventh in four games of the European tour. Drag-flick specialist Joel Rintala then scored with a thunderous strike to double Australia's lead midway through the first quarter. Germany responded in the second quarter, striking back through Gonzalo Peillat. Australia's Ash Thomas was suddenly the busier of the two keepers, while Howard marked his milestone with a crucial tackle on the halftime buzzer to preserve the Kookaburras' 2-1 lead. However, the third quarter belonged to Germany. They levelled early with a well-worked field goal, then struck again moments later off a penalty corner to take the lead for the first time. Both sides fought hard in the fourth quarter as Australia pushed desperately for an equaliser. Despite a late surge and mounting pressure, the Kookaburras couldn't find a way to send the match to a shootout. The Netherlands lead the standings on 35 points, with the Kookaburras second on 27 points, with Belgium third and Germany fourth. The Kookaburras are ruing missed opportunities after Germany stormed back from two goals down to claim a 3-2 win in Berlin. It was the home nation's first FIH Pro League meeting of the European campaign. The match on Tuesday (Wednesday AEST) fell on a special occasion for Queensland defender Tim Howard, who made his 150th international appearance in green and gold, as the Kookaburras sought to atone for their 1-2 loss to England. Australia came out with the intensity that had seen them win five from six matches on their European tour. But a second-half resurgence from Germany flipped the script, with the hosts delivering a blistering third quarter to snatch the lead and hold on in the final minutes. "It was a tough game out there today,'' Howard said after the match. "I've played with and against a lot of the guys over here in Germany in their domestic competition and they're a really tough team. "They made the most of their opportunities and they really pushed after what was probably a poor start.'' Despite the loss, Howard said his milestone reflected how much he loved the sport and the team. "The past 150 games have been amazing,'' he said. "I'm loving it a lot, I'm loving it more than I probably ever have, and I'm very grateful to still be playing. "I love this team, I love playing international hockey, so I'll try and do it for as long as I can." Kookaburras coach Mark Hager made four changes to the side that went down to England on Sunday night, including the return of prolific striker Blake Govers. Within three minutes, Govers rocketed home the opener off his right foot, his 161st international goal and his seventh in four games of the European tour. Drag-flick specialist Joel Rintala then scored with a thunderous strike to double Australia's lead midway through the first quarter. Germany responded in the second quarter, striking back through Gonzalo Peillat. Australia's Ash Thomas was suddenly the busier of the two keepers, while Howard marked his milestone with a crucial tackle on the halftime buzzer to preserve the Kookaburras' 2-1 lead. However, the third quarter belonged to Germany. They levelled early with a well-worked field goal, then struck again moments later off a penalty corner to take the lead for the first time. Both sides fought hard in the fourth quarter as Australia pushed desperately for an equaliser. Despite a late surge and mounting pressure, the Kookaburras couldn't find a way to send the match to a shootout. The Netherlands lead the standings on 35 points, with the Kookaburras second on 27 points, with Belgium third and Germany fourth. The Kookaburras are ruing missed opportunities after Germany stormed back from two goals down to claim a 3-2 win in Berlin. It was the home nation's first FIH Pro League meeting of the European campaign. The match on Tuesday (Wednesday AEST) fell on a special occasion for Queensland defender Tim Howard, who made his 150th international appearance in green and gold, as the Kookaburras sought to atone for their 1-2 loss to England. Australia came out with the intensity that had seen them win five from six matches on their European tour. But a second-half resurgence from Germany flipped the script, with the hosts delivering a blistering third quarter to snatch the lead and hold on in the final minutes. "It was a tough game out there today,'' Howard said after the match. "I've played with and against a lot of the guys over here in Germany in their domestic competition and they're a really tough team. "They made the most of their opportunities and they really pushed after what was probably a poor start.'' Despite the loss, Howard said his milestone reflected how much he loved the sport and the team. "The past 150 games have been amazing,'' he said. "I'm loving it a lot, I'm loving it more than I probably ever have, and I'm very grateful to still be playing. "I love this team, I love playing international hockey, so I'll try and do it for as long as I can." Kookaburras coach Mark Hager made four changes to the side that went down to England on Sunday night, including the return of prolific striker Blake Govers. Within three minutes, Govers rocketed home the opener off his right foot, his 161st international goal and his seventh in four games of the European tour. Drag-flick specialist Joel Rintala then scored with a thunderous strike to double Australia's lead midway through the first quarter. Germany responded in the second quarter, striking back through Gonzalo Peillat. Australia's Ash Thomas was suddenly the busier of the two keepers, while Howard marked his milestone with a crucial tackle on the halftime buzzer to preserve the Kookaburras' 2-1 lead. However, the third quarter belonged to Germany. They levelled early with a well-worked field goal, then struck again moments later off a penalty corner to take the lead for the first time. Both sides fought hard in the fourth quarter as Australia pushed desperately for an equaliser. Despite a late surge and mounting pressure, the Kookaburras couldn't find a way to send the match to a shootout. The Netherlands lead the standings on 35 points, with the Kookaburras second on 27 points, with Belgium third and Germany fourth.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Germans claw their way back to thwart Kookaburras
The Kookaburras are ruing missed opportunities after Germany stormed back from two goals down to claim a 3-2 win in Berlin. It was the home nation's first FIH Pro League meeting of the European campaign. The match on Tuesday (Wednesday AEST) fell on a special occasion for Queensland defender Tim Howard, who made his 150th international appearance in green and gold, as the Kookaburras sought to atone for their 1-2 loss to England. Australia came out with the intensity that had seen them win five from six matches on their European tour. But a second-half resurgence from Germany flipped the script, with the hosts delivering a blistering third quarter to snatch the lead and hold on in the final minutes. "It was a tough game out there today,'' Howard said after the match. "I've played with and against a lot of the guys over here in Germany in their domestic competition and they're a really tough team. "They made the most of their opportunities and they really pushed after what was probably a poor start.'' Despite the loss, Howard said his milestone reflected how much he loved the sport and the team. A massive congratulations to Tim Howard who is set to reach 150 matches for the Kookaburras today against Germany! 🇦🇺👏A rock in defence and a true leader on and off the pitch - congrats on 150 Timo! — Kookaburras (@Kookaburras) June 24, 2025 "The past 150 games have been amazing,'' he said. "I'm loving it a lot, I'm loving it more than I probably ever have, and I'm very grateful to still be playing. "I love this team, I love playing international hockey, so I'll try and do it for as long as I can." Kookaburras coach Mark Hager made four changes to the side that went down to England on Sunday night, including the return of prolific striker Blake Govers. Within three minutes, Govers rocketed home the opener off his right foot, his 161st international goal and his seventh in four games of the European tour. Drag-flick specialist Joel Rintala then scored with a thunderous strike to double Australia's lead midway through the first quarter. Germany responded in the second quarter, striking back through Gonzalo Peillat. Australia's Ash Thomas was suddenly the busier of the two keepers, while Howard marked his milestone with a crucial tackle on the halftime buzzer to preserve the Kookaburras' 2-1 lead. However, the third quarter belonged to Germany. They levelled early with a well-worked field goal, then struck again moments later off a penalty corner to take the lead for the first time. Both sides fought hard in the fourth quarter as Australia pushed desperately for an equaliser. Despite a late surge and mounting pressure, the Kookaburras couldn't find a way to send the match to a shootout. The Netherlands lead the standings on 35 points, with the Kookaburras second on 27 points, with Belgium third and Germany fourth.
