Indian hockey performed better in the last leg of its disappointing campaign in the FIH Pro League. India defeated world champion Germany and 2024 Olympic gold medalist Netherlands in the Europe leg. At the same time, gave a tough challenge to world number-3 England. India scored 19 points from 16 matches and finished eighth among 9 teams. He remained above only Pakistan.
Coach Craig Fulton seemed happy with the team’s performance in Europe. He believes that if India implements its strategy, it can defeat any team in the world. Fulton said, ‘The most positive thing about this Pro League is that the team’s confidence has increased. The victories over Germany and Netherlands and the close match against England have proved that if we stick to our strategy, we can defeat any team in the world.
Fulton said, ‘It is very important before the World Cup and Asian Games but we have to improve our performance and maintain consistency in every quarter.’ The coach said, ‘The good thing is that this team has matured a lot. We maintained our composure under pressure and played with different styles to win close matches. That’s the kind of experience we needed. We have laid the right foundation for the preparation of the World Cup.
India were defeated by Belgium and Argentina in the Rourkela leg of the FIH Pro League. After this, India had to face a 0-2 defeat against Spain in Hobart but while making a comeback, India held Australia to a 2-2 draw and Spain to a 1-1 draw. However, in both the matches the Indian team lost in the shootout.
In the last match, India defeated Australia 3-1 in the shootout. India lost only six goals in four matches in Hobart. In the Europe leg, India defeated Germany 3-1 and Netherlands 3-22 in Rotterdam. India scored 9 goals in 4 matches, of which 5 were field goals.
In London, the Indian team remained undefeated in all four matches within the stipulated time against Pakistan and England. Captain Harmanpreet Singh said, ‘It is always special to defeat top teams. This proves that our hard work is bearing fruit. This will be very useful in the World Cup and Asian Games.
