Indian Women’s Resilient Effort Falls Short in 1-5 Match Against Belgium in FIH Pro League

In Antwerp, the Indian women’s hockey team suffered a 1-5 defeat to Belgium in the FIH Pro League on Saturday, marking their fifth consecutive loss in the European leg of the tournament following defeats to Australia and Argentina in London.

India took an early lead through Deepika, but Belgium turned the game around after halftime, scoring five goals courtesy of Hélène Brasseur, Lucie Breyne, Ambre Ballenghien, and Charlotte Englebert.

The match began with Belgium on the offensive, pressing hard into the Indian circle, though the visitors defended well. The first scoring chance came from a penalty corner, which was saved by India’s goalkeeper, Savita.

India managed an early comeback with a penalty corner converted by Deepika in the sixth minute. Despite controlling the ball in midfield, India couldn’t create additional scoring chances.

Belgium increased their pressure in the second quarter with two penalty corners, but the Indian defense held firm. India had opportunities, notably in the 23rd minute when skipper Salima Tete earned a penalty corner, but failed to capitalize.

Post-halftime, India had a single significant opportunity with a fourth penalty corner, which they did not convert. Belgium dominated the latter stages, with India’s defensive strategy backfiring. Belgium secured three penalty corners in the 37th minute, converting the last into a goal through Hélène Brasseur.

Continuing their penalty corner barrage, Belgium converted further opportunities into goals, with Lucie Breyne diving to score after a save from Savita, and Ballenghien and Englebert adding to the scoreline, cheered on by the home crowd.

The Indian team will face Belgium again in a follow-up match on Sunday.

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