Last Updated:
The Indian men’s hockey team lost 3-6 to Belgium in the FIH Pro League, marking their seventh consecutive defeat.
Indian men’s hockey team suffers 7th defeat on trot, loses 3-6 to Belgium (Credits: Hockey India)
The Indian men’s hockey team’s downward spiral in the European leg of the FIH Pro League continued with a 3-6 loss to Belgium, their seventh successive defeat, in their penultimate round game on Saturday, June 21, in Antwerp.
Defender Arthur van Doren opened the scoring for world number three Belgium in the first minute from a PC, followed by Alexander Hendrickx making it 2-0 in the 28th minute with another PC conversion.
Forward Dilpreet Singh reduced the deficit in the 36th minute, from a PC as well, and Mandeep Singh equalised in the 38th minute with a field goal.
The Indian defence collapsed in the fourth and final quarter, permitting Belgium to score three field goals through Roman Duvekot, forward Thibeau Stockbroekx and van Doren, establishing a 5-2 lead.
Defender Amit Rohidas pulled one back for India in the 56th minute via a PC, but Belgium sealed their win against India with a 59th-minute goal from Tom Boon, ending the game at 6-3.
Despite earning more PCs, nine compared to Belgium’s six, India’s dream of bagging a direct berth to 2026’s World Cup was shattered after a winless campaign in the European leg.
India had suffered losses to the Netherlands, Argentina and Australia. They are eighth in the nine-team standings with 15 points, having bagged just five victories against a whopping 10 defeats.
India will face Belgium again on Sunday, June 21, in their final round game.
- First Published:
