India signed off the FIH Pro League Rotterdam leg with a statement win, beating reigning Olympic champions the Netherlands 3-2 at the Hockey Club Rotterdam on Sunday despite the absence of skipper Harmanpreet Singh. Hardik Singh stepped up to lead the side in Harmanpreet’s place and delivered what was described as an exceptional midfield performance, doubling up as an enforcer and defensive shield as India held firm through sustained Dutch pressure.
The result mattered beyond the one-off upset: India, after a difficult home leg that included five losses, moved to seventh spot on 10 points and have “most likely avoided relegation,” according to the report. India’s next assignment will be in England, where they are set to face neighbours Pakistan on 23 June.
How India built and protected the 3-2 win
The opening quarter was described as uncharacteristic, with just one penalty corner conceded. India then raised the tempo in the second quarter and found the breakthrough through Jugraj Singh, who “sounded the board” with a powerful drag-flick to give India a crucial lead.
The Netherlands responded immediately, using a routine penalty corner to level the contest through Pepijn van der Heijden. But India struck back before half-time to regain control. In the 27th minute, Abhishek finished a swift move by smashing a powerful tomahawk from Jarmanpreet’s pass, restoring India’s advantage at 2-1.
After the break, the Dutch increased their control and pressure, using more “guile and tactics” to pin India back in their own half and restrict forward movement from the Indian attackers. India, however, stayed composed defensively. The report highlighted how Craig Fulton’s defence held its line firmly and dealt with penalty corners with ease even as the Netherlands pushed for an equaliser.
India’s decisive moment came late. In the 56th minute, Dilpreet Singh and Hardik Singh launched a counter-attack that resulted in a penalty corner. Rajinder Singh took the corner on this occasion and converted with a drag-flick to make it 3-1, giving India breathing room in the closing stages.
The Netherlands continued to press despite being down to 10 men and won three consecutive penalty corners in the 58th minute. India’s penalty corner defence stood up again, meeting each Dutch attempt with a resolute response. The hosts did pull one back in the 59th minute through Koen Bijen, but the report noted it was “nothing more than a consolation” as India held on for the 3-2 victory.
What the result means for India next
Beyond the upset over the Olympic champions, the win provided India a timely lift after a tough run earlier in the competition. With India now placed seventh on 10 points, the report suggested they have most likely done enough to avoid relegation.
India’s schedule continues quickly, with the team set to travel to England for their next match against Pakistan on 23 June.
