Did India Suffer a 1–5 Defeat Against Belgium at FIH Women's Hockey Pro League?

Antwerp, June 21 (NationPress) The Indian Women’s Hockey Team faced a significant defeat, losing 1–5 to Belgium during the FIH Hockey Pro League 2024/25 (Women) on Saturday in Antwerp.

In a captivating match featuring 17 penalty corners for Belgium, Deepika opened the scoring for India in the 6th minute. However, the hosts quickly retaliated, with goals from Helene Brasseur (37', 55'), Lucie Breyne (41'), Ambre Ballenghien (54'), and Charlotte Englebert (58') sealing a decisive victory for Belgium.

Remarkably, all five Belgian goals were scored from penalty corners.

India started nervously as Belgium applied early pressure, earning a penalty corner within the first minute. Fortunately, they managed to avert the early threat, with Savita making a crucial save to keep the game scoreless. An unforced error in India’s defense allowed Belgium another chance, but Vaishnavi made an important interception.

Defending deeply and absorbing pressure, India awaited their opportunity to counterattack. When it finally arrived, they capitalized. Their first entry into the circle led to a penalty corner, where Deepika’s shot deflected off a Belgian defender, putting India ahead.

As the second quarter progressed, India managed to create space in midfield despite Belgium’s strong pressing. Belgium controlled the game, earning two more penalty corners, but India held strong. A skillful run from Navneet set up Salima Tete on the right, leading to consecutive penalty corners.

During a rebound, Navneet unleashed a powerful shot, but goalkeeper Elena Sotgiu was equal to the task. Just before half-time, Lisa Moors threatened to equalize with a fierce shot from inside the circle, but Bichu Devi denied her.

Entering the third quarter, Belgium had made 10 circle entries to India’s four, maintaining pressure on India’s defense. After five penalty corners, Hélène Brasseur successfully converted to level the score. Two more corners followed, and despite numerous saves from Savita, Lucie Breyne scored from close range, giving Belgium a 2–1 lead.

Struggling to equalize, India tried probing the flanks in the final quarter, but Belgium’s defense remained resolute. The last ten minutes were dominated by the hosts. In the 54th minute, Ambre Ballenghien effectively sealed the game with a well-placed goal, pushing the score to 3–1.

Five minutes later, Helene Brasseur converted Belgium’s fourth penalty corner, extending their lead. Just before the final whistle, Charlotte Englebert added another goal, calmly converting a penalty stroke in the 58th minute, culminating in a comprehensive 5–1 victory for Belgium.

The Indian Women's Hockey Team is set to face Belgium again tomorrow at 4:30 PM IST.