FIH Pro League 2025-26: Indian Men's Hockey Team Go Down 1-3 To Belgium

Last Updated:February 11, 2026, 23:38 IST

Belgium defeated India 3-1 in the FIH Men's Pro League 2025–26 match in Rourkela, with goals from Nelson Onana, Thomas Crols, and Arno Van Dessel. Shilanand Lakra scored for India.

India conceded two goals in the final quarter, leading to a 1-3 defeat against Belgium in their FIH Men’s Pro League 2025-26 match in Rourkela on Wednesday.

Belgium’s goals were scored by Nelson Onana (23rd minute), Thomas Crols (53rd), and Arno Van Dessel (57th), while Shilanand Lakra (29th) was the sole scorer for India.

How India Lost To Belgium?

The match was tied 1-1 at both half-time and the end of the third quarter before Belgium scored twice in the final 15 minutes. The first quarter was highly competitive, with both sides making few defensive errors. Belgium earned an early penalty corner in the 4th minute, but Alexander Hendrickx’s drag-flick was heroically stopped by India’s first rusher, Vivek Sagar Prasad.

Four minutes later, India also had a penalty corner but failed to capitalise on it. While Belgium maintained more possession, India managed to hold their ground and launch quick counter-attacks. In the 14th minute, Belgium’s Tom Boon narrowly missed a powerful shot during another penalty corner.

The second quarter saw more action. Belgium earned a penalty corner in the 21st minute, but Indian goalkeeper Pawan made an acrobatic save to deny Hendrickx. Moments later, Pawan made another crucial save against Thomas Crols. However, in the 23rd minute, Belgium scored their first goal when Thomas Crols assisted Onana, who netted with a simple finish.

India increased their attacking efforts, and in the 29th minute, they equalised when Shilanand Lakra scored from a penalty corner rebound. Despite Belgium’s dominance in possession during the third quarter, India’s defence remained resilient. In the 38th minute, Belgium’s penalty corner attempt was thwarted by Jarmnapreet Singh’s goalline save.

In the 53rd minute, India launched a counter-attack, with Nilakanta Sharma passing brilliantly to Karthi Selvam, but he was stopped by the Belgian defence. Shortly after, Belgium’s Lucas Balthazar set up Thomas Crols, who scored to give Belgium the lead. In the 57th minute, Crols assisted Arno Van Dessel, who sealed the victory for Belgium with a well-taken goal.

(With inputs from Agencies)

News sports hockey FIH Pro League 2025-26: Indian Men's Hockey Team Go Down 1-3 To Belgium

Read More