India’s men’s team would have known exactly what was at stake when they stepped onto the field against Argentina. The women’s side, meanwhile, had put up a brave fight throughout their campaign, which came to a heartbreaking end on Sunday, August 23, following a draw against Australia. Yet, few would hold their results against them.
After all, India lost just one game in the entire tournament, against the mighty Netherlands. They drew with China, Australia and England, while also registering a win over South Africa. In retrospect, this campaign could be seen as a step in the right direction for the Indian eves, even if their wait for another World Cup semi-final appearance now stretches beyond 52 years.
For the men’s team, however, the expectations were entirely different.
The kings of Asia came into the tournament hoping to bridge the gap with the world’s best and prove that they belonged at the highest level. Confidence was high. The players were ready, while the management was careful not to let expectations spiral out of control.
What followed, though, was more than just a reality check for the team. It was a reality check for Indian hockey and its fans.
India struggled against the teams ranked above them and, more importantly, failed to beat any of them. They were outclassed by the Netherlands, England and, finally, Argentina, a team that has now scored 23 goals against India in their last five meetings.
India did beat Wales and their arch-rivals Pakistan. But Pakistan hockey is currently in a far deeper crisis than Indian hockey. And even against Wales and Pakistan, India’s performances were far from convincing or dominant.
The margins were narrow, and India often had to dig deep just to hold on for victories.
That raises the biggest question of all: How, and when, will India bridge the gap with the world’s best?
A WRONG WORLD CUP APPROACH?
When PR Sreejesh unleashed a scathing outburst at Hockey India following India’s 3-5 defeat to Argentina, it painted a troubling picture of how those in charge may have approached the World Cup.
“Are we building a team to PLAY good hockey, or a team capable of WINNING against the best in the world? Stop hiding behind “learning”, “good hockey” and future tournaments.”
“The World Cup is not a rehearsal.It is the World Cup,” said Sreejesh in his explosive tweet.
India are set to compete at the Asian Games next month, a tournament that offers direct qualification for the 2028 Olympics. And when the question of India’s long wait for a World Cup semi-final is discussed, there is one recurring theme that has emerged from conversations with legends of the game.
Get to the Olympics and worry less about the other tournaments.
That mentality appears to be reflected in India’s performances in the Hockey Pro League as well.
India’s best finish in the competition remains a third-place finish in 2021-22. In the last edition, they finished eighth in the standings — only above Pakistan, who lost all 16 of their matches.
The Pro League does not always feature teams at full strength. But India’s inability to consistently compete with the likes of Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands raises a legitimate question: is the tournament being treated like football’s Nations League rather than a genuine opportunity to test themselves against the world’s best?
Then came Craig Fulton’s comments after the defeat to Argentina, when he was questioned about the decision to play Yashdeep Siwach in defence in a must-win match.
Couldn’t India have turned to Jugraj Singh instead? A defender and drag-flicker, Jugraj had been off colour during the tournament, but he remained another attacking option from set pieces.
“Just rotation. [Nilkanta Sharma] Kanta today, Vivek [Sagar Prasad] yesterday. So we’re using these games for Asian games as well,” Fulton clarified to Sportstar.
If a World Cup is being used as preparation for another tournament, however, it raises uncomfortable questions about the team’s priorities. And perhaps, that is precisely the approach Sreejesh was taking aim at.
WHERE DOES INDIA STAND IN HOCKEY?
India are currently ranked eighth in the FIH standings, the highest among Asian teams. But how do they stack up against the sides above them?
Take the top three, for starters.
India have not beaten the Netherlands in a major tournament since 2014. The story is similar against Belgium, whom they last defeated at the Champions Trophy in 2014.
India did beat Germany to win bronze at the Tokyo Olympics, but the Germans got the better of them in the semifinal at the Paris Olympics in 2024.
Look beyond the top three at teams such as Spain, England, Australia and Argentina, and a familiar pattern emerges. There have been the occasional wins, particularly in the Pro League, but India have lacked consistency when it comes to beating higher-ranked opposition.
That inconsistency is where the gulf truly lies.
NO TRANSITION IN PLACE?
Another major concern for Indian hockey is how the team plans to replace its veterans.
Manpreet Singh is approaching the twilight of his career, while Mandeep Singh looked a shadow of his former self during the World Cup.
Harmanpreet Singh continues to shoulder India’s drag-flicking responsibilities, but there appears to be little support behind him. If the skipper is neutralised, India seem to lack another reliable outlet from penalty corners.
Harmanpreet scored six goals at the Hockey World Cup, and apart from Sanjay, no other Indian player found the net from short corners.
The field goals, too, have dried up. Abhishek and Sukhjeet Singh scored two each across five matches, highlighting India’s over-reliance on Harmanpreet and the lack of a consistent alternative attacking plan.
In two years’ time, the Olympics will arrive. By then, Manpreet will be 36, Mandeep 33 and Harmanpreet 32.
India need to identify and develop the next generation now. The world’s best teams appear to manage their transitions seamlessly, refreshing their squads without losing their competitive edge. India cannot afford to wait until their veterans are gone before beginning that process.
India will now lick their wounds and head to Japan, where they will once again face opposition at least a couple of levels below them.
A gold medal could secure Olympic qualification and perhaps make the disappointment of the World Cup fade from memory.
But the problems exposed against the world’s best will not simply disappear.
They will keep coming back — until Indian hockey finally finds the answers.
– Ends
