India's FIH Pro League Campaign Starts with Defeat Against Belgium
India began their FIH Pro League campaign on home turf in Rourkela with a 1-3 loss to Belgium. The match, held on February 11, 2026, saw India put up a resilient defensive effort for more than three quarters but ultimately falter in the final minutes, resulting in a disappointing start to the tournament.
A Tale of Two Halves: Defense and Late Collapse
For over 50 minutes, India matched Belgium blow for blow, with the score tied at 1-1 until the 53rd minute. Shilanand Lakra scored India's solitary goal in the 29th minute, equalizing after Nelson Onana had given Belgium the lead in the 23rd minute. However, late goals from Thomas Crols (53rd minute) and Arno Van Dessel (57th minute) turned the tide decisively in Belgium's favor.
India's head coach, Craig Fulton, faced a perplexing analysis of the match. While Belgium dominated attacking plays, outnumbering India 29-13 in circle entries, India's defense held firm for most of the game. The margin of defeat felt harsh given the team's defensive resilience, but a lack of attacking threat proved costly as India ran out of steam in the final quarter.
Key Moments and Missed Opportunities
The opening goal came from a careless turnover by captain Harmanpreet Singh, whose mishit pass in midfield allowed Tom Boon to set up Onana for the score. India responded with pressure, and Lakra's goal came from a quick reaction to a rebound off Amit Rohidas's shot, igniting the home crowd.
Despite moments of promise, such as a well-executed passing move involving Lakra, Nilakanta Sharma, and Karthi Selvam, India failed to capitalize. Belgium's second goal, a powerful forehand hit from Crols, came shortly after this move, highlighting India's inability to sustain momentum. The third goal, involving Crols and Dessel, sealed the result as India's defensive resolve crumbled late in the match.
Post-Match Reflections and Broader Context
Before the match, Belgium head coach Shane McLeod had speculated that India might start rusty, similar to his team's experience against Argentina. While India avoided a slow start, fatigue set in later, aligning with McLeod's prediction in a different manner. The loss underscores challenges for India in a season of transition, as noted in related discussions about emerging players like drag-flicker Amandeep Lakra.
Overall, this defeat serves as a wake-up call for India in the FIH Pro League, emphasizing the need for improved stamina and offensive execution in upcoming fixtures.
