The Indian men’s hockey team faced a tough 2-3 loss against Belgium in a rescheduled Sultan Azlan Shah Cup match on Tuesday. Played under overcast conditions after Monday’s rain postponement, the encounter at the Sultan Azlan Shah Stadium saw India fight back from a deficit but ultimately fall short.
Roman Duvekot starred for the European side with a brace, scoring in the 17th and 46th minutes, while Nicolas De Kerpel added a crucial goal from a penalty corner in the 45th minute.
India started the match with defensive discipline, weathering early pressure from Belgium, who earned two penalty corners in the first quarter. Goalkeeper Pawan made several key saves to keep the scoreline level initially. However, Belgium broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when Duvekot capitalized on a defensive lapse to score against the run of play.
India thought they had equalized shortly after through Dilpreet Singh, but the goal was disallowed for dangerous play, leaving Belgium with a 1-0 lead at halftime.
The second half saw India emerge with renewed intent, finding the equalizer in the 33rd minute through a well-worked field goal by Abhishek. The momentum, however, shifted back to Belgium late in the third quarter when De Kerpel converted a penalty corner to restore their lead.
Duvekot then doubled Belgium's advantage early in the fourth quarter, punishing another error in the Indian defense to make it 3-1.
Refusing to give up, India mounted a late surge. Shilanand Lakra pulled one back in the 57th minute, finishing a precise cross from Rabichandra Singh to set up a tense finale. With just 90 seconds remaining, Indian goalkeeper Mohit HS produced a sensational save to deny Belgium a fourth goal, keeping his team in the hunt. Despite pressing hard in the dying moments, India could not find the equalizer.
Following this defeat, India will look to regroup quickly as they prepare to face hosts Malaysia on Wednesday. The five-time champions, who opened their campaign with a win over South Korea, will aim to return to winning ways in their next fixture.