In a high-stakes clash at Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium, Belgium outgunned India 4-2 on Saturday in the FIH Men’s Pro League 2025-26 Rourkela leg. It’s India’s third straight defeat here, after a prior 3-1 reverse against the Belgians. The hosts wrap up their leg against Argentina tomorrow, desperate for a turnaround.
Star performer Alexander Hendricks orchestrated Belgium’s rout with two blistering penalty corner goals at 14′ and 17′. Flanked by Hugo Laboucheere (11′) and Arthur de Sloover (15′), the visitors amassed a commanding 4-0 halftime cushion. India fought back valiantly via Aditya Lalage (24′) and skipper Harmanpreet Singh (37′), but couldn’t bridge the gap.
Belgium seized control early, shrugging off Hardik Singh’s promising surges. India’s apparent seventh-minute lead was video-referred out, spurring the Belgians. Laboucheere’s penalty corner strike opened the floodgates, followed by Hendricks’ drag-flick masterpiece. Suraj Kakkera’s interventions delayed the inevitable, but de Sloover’s variation finish made it 3-0.
The second quarter saw Hendricks strike again, his fourth corner conversion ballooning the score to 4-0. India hit back when Abhishek’s shot was parried by Loic van Doren, allowing Lalage to pounce on the rebound. The third frame balanced out, with India clearing a Belgian corner before Sukhjeet Singh won one of their own—converted flawlessly by Harmanpreet for 4-2.
The fourth quarter crackled with intensity. India pressed furiously, nearly halving the deficit, but van Doren’s diving save preserved the lead. Pawan matched him with double blocks in the 56th, including a monster stop. Yet, as India threw everything forward in the dying minutes, Belgium’s composure clinched a hard-fought victory.
Key takeaways: Belgium’s penalty corner prowess overwhelmed India, who showed grit but lacked killer instinct. This result intensifies scrutiny on India’s form ahead of tougher tests, while Belgium solidifies its elite status in the Pro League.