India vs Belgium FIH Pro League Highlights: India men’s and women’s hockey teams suffered defeats in Antwerp on Thursday against hosts Belgium in back-to-back matches at the FIH Pro League.
On their road to Paris, Harmanpreet Singh’s men were dealt a serious reality check as reigning Olympic champions Belgium outplayed them for large parts to register a thumping 4-1 win. Belgium, who had been stunned by Ireland the previous night, came out all guns blazing and India were found wanting. Abhishek scored the solitary goal for India late on.
Earlier, Salima Tete and Co fared better after their big defeat in their previous outing against Argentina but still lost 0-2 after two quick goals in Q3 by Belgium.
On Wednesday, the teams had mixed fortunes as they kicked off their European leg in the Pro League. Against world No 2 Argentina, Salima’s side were comfortably second best, as they lost 0-5. They conceded a goal each in the first three quarters and two in the final 15. Under returning head coach Harendra Singh, it was a tough start as they look to rebuild after the disappointment of not qualifying for Paris 2024.
The men’s team, however, played out a fighting 2-2 draw in regulation time against Argentina and then clinched a bonus point in the shootout. Read more about that match here.
The Indian teams will play four matches in the Antwerp mini tournament before finishing their season at the London leg immediately after. Next up, they return on Saturday to play Belgium once more.
Scroll down for a recap of India vs Belgium hockey matches:
