FIH Men’s Pro League 2025–26: Belgium beat India 3–1 in Rourkela

Belgium defeated India 3–1 in the Rourkela leg of the FIH Men’s Pro League 2025–26 on Wednesday at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium. Nelson Onana, Thomas Crols and Arno Van Dessel scored for the visitors, while Shilanand Lakra netted the lone goal for India.

The opening quarter was tightly contested, with both sides disciplined at the back. Belgium earned an early penalty corner in the fourth minute, but Alexander Hendrickx’s drag flick was stopped by India’s first rusher Vivek Sagar Prasad. India received a penalty corner of their own soon after but failed to capitalise.

Belgium enjoyed more possession and continued to press. In the 14th minute, they won another penalty corner, but Tom Boon’s powerful effort drifted just wide as the deadlock remained intact at the end of the first quarter.

The second quarter saw the match open up. Belgium threatened through another penalty corner in the 21st minute, but Indian goalkeeper Pawan produced an acrobatic save to deny Hendrickx. Moments later, he rushed out to stop Thomas Crols in a one-on-one situation.

Belgium finally broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute. After winning possession high up the field, Thomas Crols slipped a pass to Nelson Onana, who finished calmly to put the visitors ahead. India responded with more urgency and began to create circle entries.

Their efforts paid off in the 29th minute. India won a penalty corner, and though Amit Rohidas’s initial attempt was blocked, Shilanand Lakra reacted quickly to slot in the rebound and bring the hosts level before halftime.

Belgium dominated possession in the third quarter, but India’s defence stood firm. In the 38th minute, Belgium earned another penalty corner, only for Jarmanpreet Singh to make a crucial goal-line save and keep the scores tied.

The decisive moments came in the final quarter. In the 53rd minute, India nearly scored on the counter, but Karthi Selvam was denied by the Belgian defence. Seconds later, Belgium struck at the other end. Lucas Balthazar delivered a precise pass from the baseline to Thomas Crols, who finished neatly into the bottom corner to restore the lead.

Four minutes later, Crols turned provider. He set up Arno Van Dessel inside the circle, and the Belgian forward squeezed the ball into the net to seal a 3–1 victory.

Despite a competitive performance and spells of solid defending, India were undone by Belgium’s clinical finishing in the final quarter, as the visitors took all three points in Rourkela.