Indian men end seven-match losing streak, finish FIH Pro League season with win over Belgium

Indian men’s hockey team ended a seven-match losing streak in the FIH Pro League with a 4-3 win over Belgium to finish the 2024-25 season with a victory.

It was goals by Sukhjeet Singh (21’, 35’), Amit Rohidas (36’) and Harmanpreet Singh (59’) that ensured India’s win. As of now, it sits seventh, 14 points ahead of Ireland, and above eighth-placed Germany which has five games in hand. For Belgium, Arthur de Sloover (8’), Thibeau Stockbroekx (34’) and Hugo Labouchere (41’) scored.

It was a memorable outing for Sukhjeet and Dilpreet Singh who completed their 100 international caps.

Belgium was quick to get off the blocks, pressing high and looking to catch Indian defenders off guard. Its tactics paid off early with Arthur de Sloover scoring a stunning goal to go one up in the match.

In the 21st minute, India converted a PC and this time it was a clever variation which saw Sukhjeet step up and deflect the ball into the post with precision. He only had to angle Harmanpreet’s flick which comfortably beat the Belgian goalie.

After the ten-minute half-time break, Belgium struck early through Thibeau Stockbroekx who scored in the 34th minute. But India responded almost immediately with Sukhjeet pumping his second goal of the match. A minute later, Amit Rohidas put India ahead by 3-2 when he scored from a PC in the 36th minute.

It was Hugo Labouchere putting his name on the scoresheet, scoring his maiden international goal, which made it an evenly-fought contest between India and Belgium.

With minutes left for the final hooter, an important video referral by India saw it being awarded a penalty stroke. Though Sloover protested, and eventually was handed the yellow card, there was a clear push from him and it was only a matter of Harmanpreet clearing the goal and putting India ahead by 4-3 and finally ending its campaign with a win.

“We made a good comeback today. We had the confidence in us in every game we played. There was a lot of room for improvement in how we played today, narrowed down on the small errors we were making and rectified them today. There has been lots of learnings from here and we will bounce back next edition,” expressed Sukhjeet Singh, who was awarded the Player of the Match.