India Men's Hockey Team Builds Momentum with Strong FIH Pro League 2025–26 Finish Ahead of World Cup and Asian Games

New Delhi, July 4, 2026: The Indian Men's Hockey Team concluded the FIH Hockey Pro League 2025–26 with a series of confidence-boosting performances, defeating reigning World Champions Germany and Paris 2024 Olympic gold medallists the Netherlands, while pushing world No. 3 England to the limit during the recently concluded European leg of the competition.

The campaign marked a significant turnaround for India, whose performances steadily improved throughout the season. More importantly, the team's progress has generated valuable momentum ahead of the FIH Hockey World Cup and the Asian Games.

Slow Start in Rourkela Gave Way to Steady Improvement

India's Pro League journey began with a challenging home leg in Rourkela, where defeats against Belgium and Argentina exposed areas that required improvement if the side was to consistently compete with the world's top-ranked teams.

However, encouraging signs emerged during the Hobart leg. India opened with a 0-2 defeat to Spain before bouncing back with a spirited 2-2 draw against hosts Australia. That was followed by a 1-1 draw against Spain, although both matches ended in shootout defeats. The team finished the Hobart leg on a positive note by winning the shootout 3-1 after another closely fought 1-1 draw against Australia.

Defensively, India showed marked improvement in Hobart, conceding only six goals across four matches—three from penalty corners and three from field play. The attack also displayed growing efficiency, scoring two field goals and converting two penalty corners.

European Leg Showed India's Growing Strength

By the time the competition moved to Europe in June, India's progress had become increasingly evident.

In Rotterdam, India produced two of its standout performances of the season, defeating Germany 3-1 and edging the Netherlands 3-2. Against two of international hockey's strongest defensive teams, India scored nine goals across four matches, including five field goals and four penalty-corner conversions.

The numbers reflected a significant shift in India's attacking approach, with the team consistently creating and converting opportunities from open play rather than relying solely on penalty corners.

London Leg Reinforced India's Consistency

India carried its momentum into London, remaining unbeaten in regulation time across four matches against Pakistan and England.

The team secured two victories over Pakistan, including an emphatic 7-1 win, while drawing both matches against England and claiming one shootout victory.

India's defensive discipline continued to impress, conceding only six goals throughout the London leg, with just one coming from open play. Offensively, the team scored 13 goals—seven from field play, five through penalty corners and one via a penalty stroke—demonstrating increasing versatility in front of goal.

Balanced Attack Emerging as Major Strength

India's attacking depth was another major positive throughout the European campaign.

• Dilpreet Singh – 4 goals
• Jugraj Singh – 4 goals
• Abhishek – 3 goals
• Sukhjeet Singh – 3 goals
• Nilakanta Sharma – 3 goals

The distribution of goals highlighted a balanced attacking unit capable of producing match-winners from multiple positions instead of depending on individual brilliance.

Craig Fulton Praises Team's Growth

"One of the biggest takeaways from this Pro League run has been watching the team's confidence grow," said India's Chief Coach Craig Fulton while reviewing the campaign.

"Wins over Germany and the Netherlands, plus a strong showing against England, prove that when we stick to our game plan, we're capable of matching and beating anyone in the world. It's a solid stepping stone heading into the World Cup and Asian Games, but we are still focused on tightening up our performance and staying consistent from quarter to quarter."

Fulton also praised the team's maturity and ability to handle pressure.

"Even more encouraging is how much this group has matured. We've stayed calm under pressure, adjusted to different playing styles and pulled out wins in tight games. That kind of experience is exactly what we'll need. The World Cup and Asian Games will test our resilience and belief, and I think we're building the right foundation for it."

Harmanpreet Singh Highlights Team Confidence

Captain Harmanpreet Singh, who returned after missing the Hobart leg due to personal reasons, believes the campaign has strengthened the team's belief ahead of major tournaments.

"This Pro League campaign has given us a lot of confidence because we've performed well against some of the strongest teams in world hockey," Harmanpreet said.

"Beating top-ranked sides is always special, but more importantly, it shows that the hard work we're putting in as a team is paying off. We'll take these positives forward as we prepare for the World Cup and the Asian Games."

He also emphasised the team's all-round development.

"One of the biggest positives from this Pro League campaign has been the contribution from every department. Our defence has stayed compact, the midfield has controlled the game well and our forwards have created good opportunities inside the circle and scored many field goals. Having all bases covered gives us confidence, but we also know there are areas where we can continue to improve before the World Cup and the Asian Games."

Positive Signs Ahead of Major Tournaments

Although the final Pro League standings may not fully reflect India's progress, the team's performances certainly do.

From a difficult start in Rourkela to recording statement victories over Germany and the Netherlands before finishing strongly in London, India displayed consistent improvement across every phase of the tournament.

With the FIH Hockey World Cup and the Asian Games approaching, the European leg of the Pro League has provided India with valuable momentum, renewed belief and growing confidence that the team is peaking at the right time.

About Hockey India

Hockey India is the governing body responsible for promoting and managing hockey in India, overseeing national teams, domestic competitions and the development of the sport across the country.

(Inputs from Press Release)