FIH Pro League 2020-2021 (Men’s) – A Remarkable Journey for the Indian Men’s Hockey Team

FIH Pro League 2020-2021 (Men’s) – A Remarkable Journey for the Indian Men’s Hockey Team

The Indian Men’s Hockey Team showcased exceptional performances in the 2020-2021 FIH Hockey Pro League, the second season of this prestigious men’s field hockey league. Held from January 18, 2020, to June 27, 2021, the tournament featured nine top teams competing in a round-robin format. Due to disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the ranking system was adjusted, with final standings based on points percentage instead of total points. Despite these challenges, India demonstrated resilience and skill, making their mark on the global stage. Let’s revisit their inspiring journey, filled with memorable moments and fierce competition.

A Historic Start: India vs Netherlands (January 18, 2020)

India began their campaign with a memorable 5-2 victory over the Netherlands. The win was a clear message of intent, with Gurjant Singh scoring the fastest-ever goal by an Indian in FIH Pro League history at just 13 seconds. The team’s attacking strength was on full display, with goals from Mandeep Singh, Rupinder Pal Singh, and Lalit Upadhyay, while the defense, led by Amit Rohidas, stood strong under pressure.

This match set the tone for India’s aggressive style of play, with the team using their attacking power while holding off the Dutch team.

A Thrilling Match on January 19, 2020: India vs Netherlands – A Shootout Win!

In a dramatic rematch, India once again faced the Netherlands, but this time, the match ended 3-3 at full-time, leading to a shootout. India won 3-1 in the shootout, with goals from Vivek Prasad, Gurjant Singh, and Akashdeep Singh. PR Sreejesh was excellent in goal, making crucial saves.

India’s comeback from a two-goal deficit at halftime showed their resilience and mental strength. It was an exciting match that proved the team’s ability to stay calm under pressure.

India vs Belgium (February 8, 2020): India’s Historic Win

India handed Belgium, the reigning world champions, their first loss of the season with a 2-1 victory. The game was a great mix of India’s solid defense and effective attack. Mandeep Singh scored early, and Krishan Pathak made several important saves.

Although Belgium had more possession, India’s defense, supported by excellent goalkeeping, held strong. The team secured a well-deserved win thanks to Ramandeep Singh’s goal in the fourth quarter and their ability to take advantage of limited chances.

February 9, 2020: India vs Belgium – A Narrow Defeat

In a closely fought rematch, India suffered their first loss of the season, falling 2-3 to Belgium. The match saw several lead changes, with Vivek Prasad and Amit Rohidas scoring for India. Despite their strong effort, Belgium’s solid defense and precise finishing helped them win.

Although the result was disappointing, the match showed that India could compete with the best teams in the world.

India vs Australia: February 21-22, 2020 – A Draw and a Win

India played Australia in a tough doubleheader in February. On February 21, India lost 3-4, but on February 22, they bounced back with a 3-1 shootout win after a 2-2 draw at full-time. This game showed India’s growing ability to compete with top teams and handle high-pressure situations with confidence.

India vs Argentina (April 10, 2021) – A Shootout Drama

On April 10, 2021, India played Argentina. After a 2-2 draw, the match went to a shootout, where India lost 2-3. India’s response to Argentina’s fast and aggressive play was admirable, with Rupinder Pal Singh scoring an early goal. The shootout went to the wire, but India just fell short, showing their resilience even in defeat.

India vs Argentina (April 11, 2021): A Strong Finish with a 3-0 Win

India ended their Pro League campaign with a dominant 3-0 victory over Argentina on April 11, 2021. Goals from Harmanpreet Singh, Lalit Upadhyay, and Mandeep Singh secured the win. India dominated the match, with Krishan Pathak providing excellent support in goal. The team finished strong, proving their strength and confidence.

Final Standings: India’s Strong Finish

Despite challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to the cancellation of several matches, India finished fourth in the league with a points percentage of 62.5%.

Here are the top 5 teams:

  1. Belgium – 76.2% points percentage
  2. Australia – 66.7% points percentage
  3. Germany – 63.3% points percentage
  4. India – 62.5% points percentage
  5. Netherlands – 58.3% points percentage

India’s fourth-place finish was their highest-ever in the FIH Pro League, marking an important milestone in their growth on the global stage.

What’s Next for the Indian Men’s Hockey Team?

The 2020-2021 FIH Pro League was an important step for the Indian team, giving them the chance to test themselves against the best teams in the world. With their increased confidence and resilience, the team is ready to aim even higher in future competitions, including the Olympics and the World Cup.

Conclusion

The Indian Men’s Hockey Team’s journey in the 2020-2021 FIH Pro League has been inspiring. From impressive wins to hard-fought losses, the team has proven they belong at the top of world hockey. We look forward to seeing more from this exciting and dynamic team in the years to come!