The Indian women's hockey team suffered a 1-2 defeat against Belgium on Saturday, marking their second consecutive loss to the home side in the European leg of the FIH Pro League.
Under new coach Harendra Singh and captain Salima Tete, the team faced a challenging start to their campaign, having been beaten 0-2 by Belgium on Thursday and 0-5 by Argentina on Wednesday.
Belgium took the lead with goals from Ambre Ballenghien in the 14th minute and Vanessa Blockmans in the 20th minute, both scored from penalty corners. Kumari Sangita pulled one back for India in the 34th minute with a field goal, but no goals were scored in the fourth quarter.
Throughout the match, Belgium earned three penalty corners, while India did not manage to secure any. Belgium's full-court press initially made it difficult for the Indian team to play from the back. Despite withstanding the initial pressure and dominating possession at times, India struggled to break through Belgium's press, which led to Ballenghien's goal as the first quarter ended.
In the second quarter, Belgium maintained their pressing tactics, leading to another penalty corner. Blockmans capitalized on Louise Versavel's deflected shot to score Belgium's second goal. India's captain Salima Tete responded with a strong play, but Belgian goalkeeper Elodie Picard saved the shot.
India's defense faced continuous pressure as Belgium closed down passing lanes, resulting in a 2-0 scoreline at halftime. In the third quarter, India managed to bypass the Belgian press when Jyoti found Deepika, whose pass deflected to Sangita, who scored to bring India back into the game.
Post the goal, India occasionally overcame the Belgian press, but Belgium continued to threaten the Indian defense. Belgian forward Delphine Marien, named player of the match, posed a constant threat down the right wing, but the Indian defense held firm, ending the third quarter 2-1.
The final quarter saw India turn over the ball in their half, but Belgium failed to capitalize on these opportunities. As the game stretched, both teams sought quick goals. Deepika created a scoring chance for India, but Picard saved the shot, and Sangita could not convert the deflection.
With five minutes left, Belgium earned a penalty corner, but the shot went wide. India pushed forward in search of an equalizer, with Deepika getting a last-minute chance, but the Belgian defense quickly subdued the threat, securing a 2-1 victory.
This loss marked the Indian women's team's seventh consecutive defeat against Belgium in all international matches.
India is set to face Argentina in their next match in Antwerp, Belgium, on Sunday.