India Pushes Olympic Champions Belgium in Nail-Biting Encounter
This high-octane encounter, played on Saturday, showcased a significant improvement for India compared to their previous 4-1 defeat to the same team.

The Indian men’s hockey team put on a valiant display against Olympic champions Belgium, forcing a thrilling 2-2 draw before ultimately falling short in a penalty shootout. This high-octane encounter, played on Saturday, showcased a significant improvement for India compared to their previous 4-1 defeat to the same team.
The Start
From the get-go, India displayed a newfound confidence under coach Craig Fulton. Their aggressive approach translated into early pressure on the Belgian defense. The pivotal moment arrived in the 11th minute when Sukhjeet Singh displayed remarkable composure. He controlled a long ball within the Belgian circle, expertly created space for himself, and then set up Araijeet Singh Hundal for a close-range finish, putting India on the scoreboard.
The Defence
Despite India’s dominance in the first half, Belgium’s world-renowned goalkeeper, Vincent Vanasch, proved to be a formidable obstacle. He repeatedly denied India opportunities to extend their lead. However, just before halftime, Belgium capitalized on a penalty corner rebound. Felix Denayer reacted with lightning speed, deflecting the ball into the net to level the score at 1-1.
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The Approach
The second half saw a more cautious approach from both sides. India maintained their attacking intent, but clear-cut chances remained scarce. This tactical shift eventually favored Belgium, who took the lead through another penalty corner rebound. Florent van Aubel capitalized on a save by India’s PR Sreejesh, putting them ahead in the 54th minute.
The Fight
India, however, refused to surrender. Their determination paid off just three minutes later when Sukhjeet Singh once again found himself at the heart of the action. This time, he converted from close range, restoring parity for India at 2-2. Despite both teams pressing for a winning goal in the remaining minutes, the score remained unchanged, forcing the match into a penalty shootout.
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The Shootout
In the penalty shootout, the tables turned. Vanasch, who had been a thorn in India’s side throughout the match, continued his heroics. He denied all but one of India’s attempts, while Belgium converted three of their chances. This ultimately sealed India’s fate, handing Belgium the bonus point.
The Result
Although the final result wasn’t what they desired, India can take heart from their performance. They displayed a fighting spirit and tactical awareness against a world-class opponent. Sukhjeet Singh’s stellar performance, with both an assist and a goal, serves as a testament to India’s offensive potential. This match serves as a stepping stone for India as they strive to translate their newfound confidence into victories in future encounters.