Indian women’s team face relegation from Pro League — here are scenarios and what’s at stake for Harendra Singh’s side

Over this weekend in Berlin, the women's FIH Pro League season will come to a close with six teams in action in doubleheaders.

- GNS News Agency

There has been little doubt about which team will finish top of the table, because there really is no one close to the Netherlands in women’s hockey at the moment. Having wrapped up the title, the Olympic champions will face Belgium in a no-stakes top three clash. It is at the bottom of the table where the real drama lies. And it involves an Indian team desperate to earn some points to stay in the league for the next season. The three teams that are locked in the battle to avoid relegation are Germany, England and China. While India will face Asian rivals — and arguably the most-improved women’s international hockey side in the recent year or so — China, Germany and England go up against each other.Relegation threat

With 9 teams competing in the Pro League (both men's and women’s), there are two main storylines to follow. Closer to the top, there is a spot to be won at the World Cup next year (for teams that have not already qualified). And at the bottom, the last-placed team gets relegated from the Pro League for the following year. When the Pro League began, there were initially doubts around the importance of the tournament in the calendar and not many teams were sold on it — including India. But gradually, it has gained prominence and relevance. Many teams still see itas a platform to groom talent but results have a meaning because there are end-goals to work towards.