India’s men’s hockey team displayed late grit but succumbed 2-4 to Belgium in the FIH Pro League 2025-26 at Rourkela’s Birsa Munda Stadium. Despite goals from Aditya Lalage and Harmanpreet Singh, Belgium’s early dominance, led by Alexander Hendrickx’s brace, proved decisive. India now faces mounting pressure after consecutive defeats.
Key Highlights
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Match Result: Belgium defeated India 4-2 in the FIH Pro League 2025-26, completing a double win in Rourkela.
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Belgium’s Power Play: Hugo Labouchere (11’), Alexander Hendrickx (brace), and Arthur de Sloover scored for Belgium, showcasing clinical finishing.
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India’s Fightback: Aditya Lalage and Harmanpreet Singh netted for India, sparking a late surge that fell short.
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Context: India was seeking redemption after a heavy 0-8 loss to Argentina earlier in the week.
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Third Straight Loss: This marks India’s third consecutive defeat in the league, raising concerns about consistency and defensive lapses.
The Story of the Match
Belgium struck early, unsettling India with a devastating first-quarter burst. Hendrickx’s penalty corner precision and Labouchere’s field goal gave the visitors a commanding lead. India, however, refused to fold. Lalage’s equalizer briefly lifted spirits, and Harmanpreet Singh’s drag-flick narrowed the gap. Yet, Belgium’s structured play and relentless pressure ensured India could not overturn the deficit.
The match highlighted India’s resilience but also exposed vulnerabilities in defense and midfield transitions. Despite flashes of brilliance, the team struggled to sustain momentum against Belgium’s disciplined attack.
Why It Matters
India’s Pro League campaign is at a crossroads. With three straight losses, including a crushing defeat to Argentina, the team must regroup quickly to stay competitive. Belgium’s dominance underscores the gap India needs to bridge in penalty corner defense and finishing efficiency.
For fans, the grit shown in Rourkela offers hope, but the road ahead demands sharper execution and tactical discipline.
Sources: Outlook India, ESPN Hockey, Sportstar