What next for Indian women's hockey team after relegation from FIH Pro League

The Indian women’s hockey team were relegated from the FIH Pro League by virtue of finishing last.

The Indian women’s hockey team finished at the bottom of the points table in FIH Pro League 2024-25, managing just two wins and 10 points in their campaign. What it resulted in was relegation from the FIH Pro League. They will now play in the second division—FIH Nations Cup next season.

While far from their best, India seemed to be in a comfortable position in the standings after the first leg at home, having accumulated nine points from eight matches, which included wins over England, Germany and a draw & shootout win over the eventual champions Netherlands.

However, things took a drastic turn in the European leg as India went the entire leg winless and with just one point that came in the draw against Argentina.

India’s decline after fourth-place finish at Tokyo Olympics

After joining the FIH Pro League in the 2021-22 season as a replacement team following Australia and New Zealand’s withdrawal, India finished third that season. That followed after a historic fourth place finish at Tokyo. However, India’s train seems to have travelled the wrong way since then.

Their failure to qualify for Paris Olympics was the end of a cycle as coach Janneke Schopman was sacked and overall changes announced, including the retirement of former captain Rani Rampal. Several new faces have entered the scene, but results haven’t turned.

In the 2023-24 edition of the Pro League, India finished eighth surviving relegation by a mere four points. They have enjoyed success at the Asian level, winning the Asia Cup but that momentum hasn’t carried into bigger competitions.

One of the major concerns now is the lack of exposure to high-level international competitions, which could impact the development of the young squad and halt the progress of the women’s team.

Also Read: Indian men’s hockey team slips to eighth spot after disappointing campaign in FIH Pro League 2024-25

What’s next for the Indian women’s hockey team?

The Indian women’s hockey team will next play the Asia Cup in China, which will also serve as a qualifying tournament for the 2026 FIH World Cup, with the winner earning direct berth. However, should they fail to win the Asia Cup, India will have to then participate in the qualifiers to reach the tournament proper—scheduled for next August in Belgium-Netherlands.

Following the World Cup, the next major assignment for the Indian team will be the Asian Games, which will serve as an Olympic qualifier. In between, India will participate in the FIH Nations Cup and will be looking to win it to qualify for the 2027 edition of the FIH Pro League.

Silver lining

India could very well play the FIH Pro League next season if all things fall into place. New Zealand, who earned promotion to the Pro League for next season by winning this season’s FIH Nations Cup, have a history of withdrawing from the competition citing logistical reasons. However, India will also need Ireland, runners-up in FIH Nations Cup this season, to withdraw to earn an invitation back into the top division.

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