Indian Women’s Hockey Team End 2025 with Asia Cup Silver as Rebuilding Phase Continues

New Delhi | December 31, 2025 The Indian women’s hockey team wrapped up the 2025 season with a silver medal at the Women’s Asia Cup, finishing the year on a positive note despite facing a demanding rebuilding phase and mixed results on the international stage. The silver medal reaffirmed India’s position among the top teams in Asia while also underlining the work still needed to compete consistently at the global level. India began the year with confidence and high expectations after a successful 2024 campaign, highlighted by their title win at the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy in Rajgir. In that tournament, India edged past China 1–0 in a closely fought final, raising hopes of sustained success in 2025. However, maintaining that momentum proved challenging as the team encountered strong opposition and difficult conditions across continents. The season opened with a five-match tour of Australia in April, where India tested themselves against the world-class Hockeyroos. The tour started with two defeats, 2–0 and 3–2, but the team bounced back with a hard-earned 1–0 victory, scored by Navneet Kaur. Although the results were mixed, the tour played an important role in giving younger players exposure to top-level hockey and helping the coaching staff evaluate the squad against elite opponents. India’s toughest phase came during the 2024–25 FIH Hockey Pro League. Competing against some of the world’s best teams, India struggled to find consistency and finished last in the standings with 10 points from 16 matches. The campaign included just two wins, while 11 losses resulted in relegation to the FIH Nations Cup. Defeats against strong sides such as Australia, Argentina, Belgium, and China exposed gaps in defence and lapses in concentration during crucial moments. The Pro League season ended with a narrow 3–2 loss to China in Berlin, a match that reflected India’s overall year. There were encouraging attacking moves and periods of control, but missed chances and defensive errors proved costly. Still, the team recorded some notable moments, including a penalty shootout win over the Netherlands and several competitive performances against higher-ranked teams, offering signs of progress. Despite these struggles, the Women’s Asia Cup in China emerged as a bright spot. Missing key players such as penalty-corner specialist Deepika and experienced goalkeeper Savita, India exceeded expectations. The team topped their group stage with disciplined performances and advanced confidently to the final. They eventually settled for silver after a closely contested loss to the host nation, China. The Asia Cup highlighted several positives for India. The team displayed high-energy pressing, improved circle play, and a more organised defensive structure. Young players stepped up under pressure and combined well with senior members, showing depth and resilience during key matches. The tournament performance suggested that India’s rebuilding efforts are beginning to take shape. Looking ahead, the focus now shifts to the FIH Nations Cup and upcoming World Cup qualifiers. The team management has identified key areas for improvement, including penalty-corner conversion, defensive stability, and squad depth. These aspects will be crucial as India aim to regain their place in the Pro League for the 2026–27 cycle. Ending 2025 with an Asia Cup silver medal has given the Indian women’s hockey team a confidence boost. While the year brought challenges and tough lessons, the continental success has provided momentum and belief. As India continue to rebuild and refine their approach, the goal remains clear: to turn strong Asian performances into consistent results on the world Indian Women’s Hockey Team End 2025 with Asia Cup Silver as Rebuilding Phase Continues The Indian women’s hockey team signed off 2025 on a positive note by winning the silver medal at the Women’s Asia Cup, showing resilience and promise during a year marked by transition and rebuilding. The result confirmed India’s strong position in Asian hockey, even as the team faced tough challenges on the global stage. The season began with confidence after India lifted the 2024 Women’s Asian Champions Trophy in Rajgir, defeating China 1–0 in the final. However, carrying that momentum into 2025 proved difficult. A five-match tour of Australia in April tested the squad against the Hockeyroos. India lost the first two games but bounced back with a narrow 1–0 win through Navneet Kaur, gaining valuable experience, especially for younger players. India then endured a challenging campaign in the 2024–25 FIH Hockey Pro League. Facing elite teams like Australia, Argentina, Belgium, and China, the side finished last with 10 points from 16 matches, managing only two wins and suffering relegation to the FIH Nations Cup. Defensive lapses and missed chances hurt the team, though moments like a penalty shootout win over the Netherlands showed their fighting spirit. Despite these setbacks, the Women’s Asia Cup in China brought renewed optimism. Missing key players such as Deepika and Savita, India topped the group stage and reached the final with disciplined and energetic performances. They eventually settled for silver after a close contest against hosts China. With focus now shifting to the FIH Nations Cup and World Cup qualifiers, India aim to build depth, improve penalty corners, and strengthen defence. The Asia Cup silver ended the year on a hopeful note, proving that the rebuilding phase is moving in the right direction.