The Netherlands opened their summer campaign with double header wins as the two Olympic men’s and women’s champions returned to squads resembling full strength for the first time since their Paris triumphs.
Both Oranje top the FIH Pro League tables at the start of a busy period in the global league and ahead of August’s EuroHockey Championships in Germany.
The Dutch women were in rampant form as they toppled Australia 5-1 and 8-1, with Yibbi Jansen scoring five goals across the two matches. The Dutch men beat India with a 2-1 victory ahead of another match on Monday.
Argentina twice beat Spain to remain within five points of the Dutch at the top of the women’s standings, with Belgium in third and two matches to make up.
It is, meanwhile, very tight at the top of the men’s standings. The Oranje lead the way, but four points separate the top six sides. Germany are in sixth, underlining the close proximities of the world’s top sides.
Spain are in fifth after another brace of close contests with Argentina. They beat Los Leones 3-2 on Sunday after a 1-0 defeat in Valencia on Saturday.
India, meanwhile, will close out their remaining games in Amsterdam and London as they chase top spot and an automatic 2026 World Cup ticket.
“This squad has the potential to beat every opposition and we will ensure we give it our all on the field in the crucial matches coming ahead,” said Harmanpreet Singh following defeat to the Dutch.
When the Dutch travel to the UK for the London legs, they will be without Duco Telgenkamp.
The forward, who shot the Dutch team to Olympic gold in Paris, will miss the rest of the Pro League and the EuroHockey for personal reasons.
Matches run consistently throughout June, with relegation and champions decided at the Berlin and Antwerp legs.
Ireland men prop up the men’s standings with one point, while England remain at the bottom of the women’s standings.
