In Rourkela on February 14, Alexander Hendrickx netted two goals, leading to India's 4-2 loss against Belgium in the Rourkela segment of the FIH Men's Pro League 2025–26, held at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium. This defeat marks India's third consecutive loss in this leg, following an 0-8 defeat to Argentina in their last match.

This encounter was the second between the two teams in this leg, with Belgium previously defeating India 3-1. Hendrickx's contributions (14’, 17’) set the tone for the visitors, complemented by goals from Hugo Labouchere (11’) and Arthur de Sloover (15’). Despite showing enhanced defensive skills in the second half, India's efforts from Aditya Lalage (24’) and captain Harmanpreet Singh (37’) could not bridge the gap.

Belgium commenced the match with decisive control. Although India’s Hardik Singh impressed with an early run, the hosts struggled to challenge the Belgian defense effectively. An early goal by India in the 7th minute was disallowed, which set the stage for Belgium's dominance.

Belgium seized the initiative, scoring their first penalty corner in the 11th minute, with Labouchere converting it successfully. They continued to apply pressure, and in the 14th minute, Hendrickx extended the lead with a powerful drag-flick from another penalty corner. Despite a stellar foot save by Indian goalkeeper Suraj Karkera, Belgium scored again just before the quarter ended, with de Sloover making it 3-0.

Belgium maintained their momentum into the second quarter. After earning their fourth penalty corner in the 17th minute, Hendrickx scored again, pushing the score to 4-0. India pressed for a response, which came in the 24th minute when Abhishek navigated through the Belgian defense and scored after a rebound from Lalage, making it 4-1. Belgium had another penalty corner towards the end of the half, but the shot went wide.

The third quarter saw a more competitive exchange. In the 36th minute, India's defense cleared Belgium's sixth penalty corner. Shortly after, a remarkable run by Sukhjeet Singh earned India a penalty corner. Captain Harmanpreet converted this chance in the 37th minute, marking his first goal of the 2025-26 season and reducing the deficit to 4-2. Both teams fought fiercely for the remainder of the quarter, with Karkera saving another Belgian penalty corner and Van Doren denying Harmanpreet’s attempt from India's second penalty corner in the 44th minute.

In the final quarter, India started with urgency, nearly scoring again, but Van Doren's exceptional save thwarted their efforts. Two minutes later, Indian goalkeeper Pawan made a crucial save against a threatening Belgian attack. As the game neared its conclusion, Belgium adopted a highly aggressive strategy to secure their victory. Pawan made an impressive double save in the 56th minute, keeping India's hopes alive, yet the steadfast Belgian defense held firm until the final whistle.

India is set to face Argentina in their last match of the Rourkela leg on Sunday at 7:30 PM IST.