India Finishes Eighth in FIH Pro League

London has rarely produced memorable results for hockey teams from the Indian subcontinent. At the 1986 Hockey World Cup, India and Pakistan met in the match to avoid finishing last, with Pakistan winning and India ending the tournament at the bottom of the standings.

India found some redemption in the final leg of the FIH Pro League 2025-26, defeating host England 3-2 in a penalty shootout after a goalless draw in regulation time. The victory avenged an earlier meeting between the two sides in London, when England prevailed 4-1 in a penalty shootout following a 2-2 draw.

When the final leg of the Pro League began in London, both India and Pakistan were near the bottom of the standings. India ultimately finished one place above Pakistan, which endured a difficult campaign.

Pakistan lost all 16 of its matches, conceding 79 goals while scoring 22. Once regarded as one of world hockey’s most prolific attacking teams, Pakistan struggled throughout the tournament. It closed its campaign with a 7-0 defeat to England, a day after suffering a 7-1 loss to traditional rival India.

India delivered a comparatively stronger performance but still finished eighth in the nine-team competition. The team won four matches, lost seven, and drew five. It also secured bonus points by winning two penalty shootouts after drawn matches to finish with 19 points, level with Spain. Spain claimed seventh place on goal difference.

In its final match, India held England scoreless before prevailing 3-2 in the penalty shootout to earn the bonus point and avenge its earlier shootout defeat.

Despite missing out on the bonus point, England finished second in the standings with 35 points, four behind champion Belgium. Belgium, which still has a match against Australia remaining, had already secured an unassailable lead and was crowned the 2025-26 FIH Pro League champion.

India had briefly moved ahead of Spain following its 7-1 victory over Pakistan. However, Spain reclaimed seventh place with an impressive 5-2 win over defending World Cup champion Germany in its final match.

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