FIH Hockey Pro League: India Fall Just Short in a 3-2 Thriller Against Netherlands

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The Indian Men’s Hockey Team suffered a narrow 2-3 defeat at the hands of the Netherlands in a high-octane encounter of the FIH Hockey Pro League 2024/25 (Men’s) at the Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen.

Abhishek (20’) and Jugraj Singh (54’) scored for India, while the hosts responded through Thijs van Dam (24’), Tjep Hoedemakers (33’), and Jip Janssen (57’).

India started brightly, dominating possession and building play through quick, incisive passes. Forward Abhishek came close early on, narrowly missing the target in the sixth minute. The Dutch adjusted quickly, employing a counter-attacking approach that tested the Indian defence. Nevertheless, the first quarter ended scoreless with both teams holding firm.

In the second quarter, the Netherlands increased the pressure and nearly opened the scoring. India, however, remained disciplined and methodical. The breakthrough came in the 20th minute when Abhishek—celebrating his 100th international appearance—converted a well-placed pass from Shilanand Lakra to put India ahead.

But the Dutch hit back just four minutes later. A dazzling run by captain Thierry Brinkman set up Thijs van Dam, who made no mistake in levelling the score at 1-1. Both sides continued to probe, but the score remained unchanged going into half-time.

The Netherlands took control in the third quarter, pressing aggressively and disrupting India’s midfield. Their efforts paid off in the 33rd minute when Floris Wortelboer sent in a sharp cross that Tjep Hoedemakers nudged past goalkeeper Krishan Bahadur Pathak to make it 2-1. India replied by shifting to a counter-attacking mode and earned several penalty corners but couldn’t convert.

The final quarter saw India pressing for the equaliser. Abhishek nearly scored again but was denied by the side netting. Persistence paid off in the 54th minute when Jugraj Singh hammered home from a penalty corner to make it 2-2.

India almost took the lead minutes later, but Lalit Kumar Upadhyay’s clever scoop was blocked by Dutch keeper Maurits Visser. The Netherlands responded ruthlessly, winning a penalty corner in the 57th minute, which Jip Janssen converted to restore the advantage. India mounted a late offensive but couldn’t find a way past the resolute Dutch defence.