Indian men's hockey team suffers 7th defeat on trot, loses 3-6 to Belgium

India’s dismal run in the European leg of the men’s FIH Pro League worsened on Saturday as they slumped to their seventh consecutive defeat, losing 3–6 to world No. 3 Belgium in their penultimate round match in Antwerp.Belgium struck early, with Arthur van Doren converting a penalty corner in the opening minute. Alexander Hendrickx doubled the lead in the 28th minute, also off a PC. India responded with back-to-back goals from Dilpreet Singh (36’, PC) and Mandeep Singh (38’, FG) to level the scores at 2–2.But a fourth-quarter collapse saw Belgium take full control. Roman Duvekot (49’), Thibeau Stockbroekx (53’), and van Doren again (54’) all found the net with field goals, pushing the score to 5–2. Although Amit Rohidas (56’, PC) pulled one back, Tom Boon added Belgium’s sixth in the 59th minute.Despite earning more penalty corners (India 9, Belgium 6), India couldn’t capitalise. With this loss, India’s hopes of qualifying directly for next year’s World Cup have been dashed. They now sit eighth in the nine-team table with just 15 points from 15 games (five wins, 10 losses). India will play Belgium again on Sunday in their final match of the campaign.INDIA WOMEN GO DOWN 1–5 TO BELGIUM IN ANTWERPThe Indian women’s hockey team also suffered a heavy 1–5 defeat against Belgium in their FIH Pro League clash on Saturday.India struck first through Deepika (6’, PC), but Belgium stormed back with five unanswered goals, all from set pieces. Hélène Brasseur (37’, 55’), Lucie Breyne (41’), Ambre Ballenghien (54’), and Charlotte Englebert (58’, PS) found the target for the hosts.Despite a promising start and a strong defensive effort in the first half, India failed to maintain intensity as Belgium converted pressure into goals, dominating the final quarter and sealing a comprehensive win.