Indian Women's Hockey Team Faces Tough Defeat Against China in FIH Pro League

In a challenging match in Berlin, the Indian women's hockey team faced a 0-3 defeat against China, marking their seventh consecutive loss in the FIH Pro League. With this defeat, India is at risk of relegation, sitting at the bottom of the standings. England's upcoming matches could further complicate India's situation. The match saw China score through penalty corners and a field goal, while India struggled to convert their opportunities. The team must win against China in their next game to avoid dropping to the FIH Nations Cup. Read on for a detailed analysis of the match.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 28, 2025, 19:50 IST

Indian Women's Hockey Team Struggles in Berlin

Berlin: The Indian women's hockey squad suffered a 0-3 defeat against China on Saturday, marking their seventh straight loss in the European segment of the FIH Pro League. This puts them in a precarious position regarding relegation from the tournament.

Following this loss, India finds itself at the bottom of the standings among nine teams, accumulating only 10 points from 15 matches.

England, who are set to face Germany in consecutive matches over the weekend, currently hold a position just above India with 11 points from 14 games.

Should England secure a victory against Germany later today, India will remain at the bottom and face relegation to the FIH Nations Cup.

Conversely, if Germany wins, India must triumph over China on Sunday to retain their place in the Pro League.

China's goals came from Chen Yang in the 21st minute and Zhang Ying in the 26th, both from penalty corners, while Anhul Yu added a field goal in the 45th minute.

India began the match with promising attacks, including a notable chance from Baljeet Kaur in the third minute, which went wide.

Shortly after, India earned two penalty corners, but Deepika was unable to convert either opportunity.

China quickly regrouped and earned their first penalty corner, which India defended effectively.

Veteran goalkeeper Savita showcased her skills with several crucial saves, including a significant stop against Guoting Hao's reverse hit in the 13th minute.

As the first quarter concluded, China earned another penalty corner but failed to capitalize.

In the second quarter, China intensified their efforts, earning two consecutive penalty corners before Chen Yang scored from a set piece in the 21st minute.

Continuing to apply pressure, China secured a fifth penalty corner in the 26th minute, with Zhang Ying scoring to extend their lead to 2-0 by halftime.

Despite creating several opportunities, India struggled to find the finishing touch.

The third quarter saw India dominate possession but fail to penetrate the solid Chinese defense.

China took advantage of India's defensive lapses, increasing their lead to 3-0 with a field goal from Anhul Yu in the 45th minute.

India continued to press but squandered a penalty stroke in the 55th minute when Deepika missed the chance, epitomizing their struggles on the day as China emerged victorious.