India, Argentina hockey players observe a minute’s silence for Ahmedabad plane crash victims

The Indian and Argentine players stood adjacent to each other with the match officials at the the Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen, Netherlands before the national anthems were played.

The India and Argentina players observed a minute's silence before the match. (Image Credit: Hockey India)

India and Argentina men’s hockey players on Thursday observed a minute’s silence before their FIH Pro League match as a tribute to the victims of the horrific plane crash that occurred in Ahmedabad earlier on the day. The players stood adjacent to each other with the officials at the Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen, Netherlands, and the tribute was made before the national anthems were played.

The Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner (VT-ANB), operating from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick airport, crashed shortly after takeoff from on Thursday afternoon with 242 people on board. One person has miraculously survived, while the remaining 241 people on board are feared dead.

The @TheHockeyIndia and @ArgFieldHockey teams observed a minute’s silence for all the victims of today’s tragic Air India plane crash, and their families, ahead of their FIH Hockey Pro League match. Our thoughts are with all the victims and their families. RIP. pic.twitter.com/vSAoOWGsIM

— International Hockey Federation (@FIH_Hockey) June 12, 2025

“The Indian team observed a minute’s silence ahead of the match today, paying tribute to those who lost their lives in the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad. A heartbreaking day. The entire Hockey India family stands in solidarity and prays for the victims and their families,” said Hockey India in a post on X.

International Hockey Federation (FIH) president Tayyab Ikram said that a similar tribute will be paid in England on Saturday. The Indian women’s hockey team begin the European of their Pro League campaign at the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre in London on Saturday with a match against Australia. “Shocked and deeply saddened to hear about the Air India plane crash tragedy today. Our thoughts are with all the victims and their families. As a mark of respect and tribute, a moment of silence preceded the start of the FIH Hockey Pro League match between India and Argentina today in Amsterdam. The same will happen in England on Saturday. RIP,” Ikram said in a statement posted by the FIH on its X handle.

India suffered a close 1-2 defeat against Argentina in the match. Jugraj Singh (4′) netted a goal for the Indian team, while for Argentina, Tomas Domene (9’, 49’) scored a brace.