Are Harmanpreet & Co. Ready to Face Argentina in the European Leg of FIH Pro League?

Synopsis
As the Indian men's hockey team prepares to face Argentina in Amsterdam, captain Harmanpreet Singh expresses confidence in their training and strategies, aiming for strong performances in the FIH Hockey Pro League. With their historical advantage, India hopes to secure crucial points toward World Cup qualification.
Key Takeaways
- India is determined to bounce back after early losses.
- Captain Harmanpreet Singh emphasizes the team's readiness and strong training.
- India has a positive historical record against Argentina.
- Six matches remain in the league, crucial for World Cup qualification.
- The matches will be held in Amsterdam, adding to the competitive atmosphere.
New Delhi, June 10 (NationPress) The Indian men’s hockey team has encountered a challenging start to the European phase of the FIH Hockey Pro League 2024/25. Although the recent narrow losses to the Netherlands are behind them, the squad is gearing up for their next confrontation with Argentina in Amsterdam.
Historically, these two teams have met numerous times, with India boasting a positive record against Argentina. They played an exhilarating draw at the Paris 2024 Olympics, but during the FIH Hockey Pro League 2023/24 (Men), India triumphed over Argentina twice, with one victory coming through a shootout.
In anticipation of the upcoming matches, captain Harmanpreet Singh stated, “We are conscious of the challenge that lies ahead in the matches against Argentina. Our training sessions are rigorous, and we are optimistic about performing well. Argentina is a formidable opponent, and every match at this level is a tough one.”
With six matches left in the tournament, India is currently positioned fourth in the points table with 15 points. The Indian men's team is determined to secure maximum points against challenging rivals to enhance their chances for a spot in the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026.
Reflecting on the journey ahead, Harmanpreet emphasized, “We are ready for whatever challenges come our way. Our preparation for this tournament has been thorough, exploring various strategies and combinations. We are confident in delivering a powerful performance against Argentina.”
To date, in the FIH Hockey Pro League (Men), India has yet to suffer a loss in regulation time against Argentina, with their sole defeat occurring in a shootout in 2022 in Bhubaneswar. With both upcoming fixtures taking place in Amsterdam, India aims to uphold its impressive record.
“While our past results against Argentina are promising, we are not complacent. Those outcomes belong to the past — our focus is on the present to ensure World Cup qualification. The team has been training diligently, and our coaching staff has been incredibly supportive. I am confident that we will perform strongly,” Harmanpreet concluded.