Indian women's hockey team is facing a potential relegation from the FIH Pro League after their recent 0-2 defeat against Belgium in Antwerp on Sunday, June 22, 2025. This loss has pushed them to the bottom of the league standings.
Belgium secured their victory with goals scored by Ambre Ballenghien in the 40th minute and Lien Hillewaert in the 43rd minute. This win solidified Belgium's third position in the league, placing them behind only the Netherlands and Argentina, who currently hold the first and second spots, respectively.
India displayed aggressive intent at the start of the first quarter. They even earned an early Penalty Corner but were unable to convert it into a goal. Towards the end of the first quarter, a defensive lapse from India led to Belgium's first PC. Although Belgium's initial attempt was slow, it resulted in the umpire awarding a penalty stroke. However, this decision was overturned to a long corner following a successful referral by the Indian team. In the second quarter, Indian skipper Salima Tete took the initiative, making a couple of attempts at goal, but the Belgian defense stood firm.
The third quarter saw India seemingly lose their way. Despite beginning the quarter with an optimistic Penalty Corner, they failed to capitalize on the opportunity. Belgium, on the other hand, made no mistake when they received their next PC a few minutes later. Ballenghien's shot from the left found its way into the goal after a deflection. The host team further extended their lead through another PC conversion, employing a similar variation that saw the ball sent to the left, where Hillewaert was perfectly positioned to deflect it in without any significant challenge from the Indian defenders. Despite opportunities for Deepika and Jyoti in the fourth quarter, India remained unable to score.
Meanwhile, England's 4-1 victory over Spain propelled them past India and Germany to seventh place with 11 points from 14 matches. Germany, after a 3-4 loss to Australia, holds 10 points from 12 matches. India currently occupies the last position among the nine teams, with 10 points from 14 games. To avoid relegation, the Indian team will desperately need to secure back-to-back wins against China in their remaining fixtures scheduled for June 28-29.