Heartbreak in Rourkela as Belgium triumphed 4-2 over India in the FIH Men’s Pro League 2025-26 at Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium on Saturday. This third leg loss for India repeats a pattern after their 3-1 defeat to Belgium earlier. The campaign concludes against Argentina on Sunday amid calls for resurgence.
Belgium’s Alexander Hendricks lit up the scoreboard with a brace (14′, 17′) from drag-flicks, supported by Hugo Laboucheere (11′) and Arthur de Sloover (15′) for a 4-0 halftime stranglehold. Aditya Lalage (24′) and captain Harmanpreet Singh (37′) sparked life into India’s challenge, narrowing it to 4-2.
Belgium controlled the narrative from tip-off, neutralizing Hardik Singh’s early flair. India’s joy at a seventh-minute goal evaporated on review, galvanizing the guests.
A penalty corner rush ensued: Laboucheere scored first, Hendricks doubled it powerfully. Kakkera’s saves bought time, but de Sloover’s inventive play hit 3-0.
The torrent continued with Hendricks’ second, punishing India’s lapses. Abhishek’s daring raid yielded Lalage’s rebound goal. Balance returned post-half, India thwarting corners before Sukhjeet’s run fetched Harmanpreet’s equalizer attempt—successful at 4-2.
India exploded into the last quarter, inches from 4-3 via van Doren’s acrobatics. Pawan countered with pivotal saves at 56′, fueling the frenzy. Final pushes yielded no fruit against Belgium’s steely rearguard.
Verdict: Hendricks’ heroics and set-piece mastery defined Belgium’s edge. India’s second-half steel hints at potential, but early concessions cost dearly. Argentina awaits—a must-win to restore momentum in the Pro League race.