India men's hockey team flies out for FIH Pro League 2025-26 European leg
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
The Indian Men's Hockey Team departed from Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru, on the night of 7 June 2026 for the European leg of the FIH Hockey Pro League 2025-26, embarking on a three-country tour that will see them face Germany, Netherlands, Pakistan, and England across 14 to 28 June. The high-stakes campaign is a critical points-gathering phase as India look to climb the Pro League standings ahead of major tournaments later in the year.
Travel Itinerary and Warm-Up Camp
The squad is travelling to Brussels, Belgium, via Abu Dhabi, where a preparatory training camp and a friendly match are scheduled between 7 and 9 June 2026. The short acclimatisation block is designed to help players adjust to European conditions before the competitive fixtures begin. The team then moves to Rotterdam, Netherlands, on 10 June for the first phase of the tour.
Fixtures: Rotterdam and London
India will face Germany and hosts Netherlands in Rotterdam from 14 to 21 June 2026, with the opening match against the Netherlands on 14 June at 7:30 pm IST. Each opponent will be played twice during the tour. The squad then travels to London, England, for the second phase, where they will take on Pakistan and England from 23 to 28 June 2026. The highly anticipated clashes against Pakistan are scheduled for 23 June and 26 June.
Harmanpreet Singh Returns to Lead
Captain Harmanpreet Singh returns to the helm for this tour after missing the Australian leg of the FIH Pro League in Hobart due to personal reasons. Speaking ahead of departure, he expressed confidence in the squad's readiness. 'The European leg of the Pro League is always a great test because you are up against some of the best teams in the world in their home conditions. We have prepared well during our training camp in Bengaluru, and the players are looking forward to competing at the highest level,' Harmanpreet said.
The captain outlined the team's approach: 'Our objective is to play fearless hockey, remain disciplined in key moments and continue evolving as a group.' He added that the tour would serve as a measuring stick — 'The Pro League is an important platform for us to gain experience, strengthen combinations and continue our progress as a unit.'
Bigger Picture: World Cup and Asian Games Build-Up
The European leg carries significance beyond Pro League points. India are using the tour to sharpen combinations and build momentum ahead of the FIH World Cup and the Asian Games, both scheduled later in 2026. Notably, this is the most demanding stretch of the Pro League calendar — four elite opponents, two continents, in under three weeks — making it a genuine litmus test for India's depth and adaptability under pressure.