Overview

• India lost back-to-back matches to China on June 28 (0-3) and June 29 (2-3), sealing a last-place finish and automatic relegation from the FIH Pro League.
• The team concluded its campaign with ten points from 16 games, enduring an eight-match losing streak during the European leg.
• Persistent penalty corner inefficiencies cost India both defensively and offensively, with two conceded set-piece goals and a missed penalty stroke underscoring the struggle.
• Head coach Harendra Singh and captain Salima Tete face intensified scrutiny as preparations shift to the second-tier Nations Cup.
• With direct World Cup qualification lost, India must win the Asia Cup in Hangzhou to secure a berth at the 2026 tournament.