The Indian Men's Hockey Team has finally broken their agonizing seven-game losing streak with a hard-fought 4-3 victory against Belgium in the FIH Pro League 2024-25. The match, played in Antwerp on Sunday, saw India display resilience and determination to overcome the host nation. This win marks a significant turnaround for the team, who had been struggling to find their form in the European leg of the Pro League.
Belgium started strongly, with Arthur de Sloover scoring an early goal in the 8th minute, putting the home side in the lead. India, however, responded well, with Sukhjeet Singh equalizing in the 21st minute through a penalty corner conversion. The game remained tightly contested, with both teams creating opportunities.
The second half saw Belgium regain the lead through Thibeau Stockbroekx in the 34th minute. But India bounced back almost immediately, with Sukhjeet Singh scoring his second goal of the match just a minute later, leveling the score once again. The momentum continued to shift as Amit Rohidas then put India ahead, converting a penalty corner in the 36th minute.
Belgium, however, refused to back down and Hugo Labouchere scored in the 41st minute to tie the game at 3-3. With the clock ticking down and the score level, the tension in the stadium was palpable. In the final minutes, India pushed for a winning goal and were awarded a penalty stroke after a video referral confirmed a foul inside the circle. Captain Harmanpreet Singh stepped up to take the penalty and calmly slotted the ball into the net, securing a 4-3 victory for India.
Sukhjeet Singh's brace played a crucial role in India's win, while Harmanpreet Singh's late penalty stroke demonstrated his composure under pressure. Amit Rohidas's goal also contributed significantly to the team's success. The victory was especially sweet for Sukhjeet and Dilpreet Singh, as they reached the milestone of playing their 100th international match for India.
This win is a welcome relief for the Indian team, who had been on a disappointing run of form. Prior to this match, they had suffered seven consecutive losses, a streak that had raised concerns about their performance. The victory against Belgium not only ends this losing streak but also provides a much-needed boost to the team's morale.
With this result, India ends their FIH Pro League 2024-25 campaign with 18 points. While the team's overall performance in the Pro League may not have met their initial expectations, this win against a strong Belgium side demonstrates their potential and fighting spirit. The team will look to build on this victory as they prepare for future tournaments and competitions.