🏑 India’s Junior Women Fall in Shootout, Men’s Team Gears Up for European Challenge – Hockey Highlights 2025
It’s been a mixed bag of results and announcements for Indian hockey this week, with the junior women’s team battling hard in Argentina, the men’s team embarking on a crucial European leg of the FIH Pro League, and exciting developments ahead for veterans in the sport. Here’s a round-up of the latest from the world of hockey:
🇮🇳 Junior Women’s Team Goes Down Fighting Against Chile
In a nail-biting clash at the Four Nations Tournament in Rosario, Argentina, the Indian Junior Women’s Hockey Team suffered a narrow 2-3 defeat to Chile in a shootout after both sides finished regular time locked at 2-2.
India took the lead twice during the match through strikes from Sukhveer Kaur and Kanika Siwach, but Chile responded both times, forcing the match into a penalty shootout. The Chileans held their nerve better in the one-on-ones, edging past India 3-1 in the tiebreaker.
This match was the fourth outing for India in the tournament, which serves as an important preparation platform for the upcoming Junior Asia Cup and Junior World Cup qualifiers.
🚨 Indian Men’s Team Departs for European FIH Pro League Tour
In senior men’s hockey, the Indian team has departed for Europe for the final leg of the FIH Pro League 2024–25, which will take place from June 7 to 22.
India will face top contenders Netherlands and Argentina in matches scheduled at Amstelveen (Netherlands) and Antwerp (Belgium). The European leg is seen as a vital test for India ahead of the 2026 Hockey World Cup.
India currently sits mid-table in the Pro League standings and will be looking to gain momentum with consistent performances against the world’s best.
🏑 Hockey India Masters Cup 2025 to Kick Off in Chennai
Adding more excitement to the hockey calendar, Hockey India announced the launch of the Hockey India Masters Cup 2025, which will run from June 18 to 27 in Chennai.
The tournament, a first of its kind in India, will feature former national and state players across various age brackets in both men’s and women’s categories. It aims to honor the legends of the sport and promote lifelong participation in hockey.
🌍 Political Tensions Spark Call for Asia Cup Relocation
In international developments, Pakistan Men’s Hockey Team Captain Imad Shakeel Butt has urged the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) to relocate the 2025 Men’s Hockey Asia Cup from Rajgir, India, citing political concerns.
The tournament, scheduled for August 27 to September 7, will double as a qualifier for the 2026 Hockey World Cup. AHF has yet to issue a formal response.
India’s hockey calendar is packed and full of promise — with youth teams gaining exposure, seniors eyeing global success, and legends returning to the field. Whether on foreign soil or home turf, Indian hockey continues to make strides across all levels.
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