India lose 3–2 to Belgium in rain-hit Azlan Shah Cup, pressure rises ahead

The Indian Men’s Hockey Team went down 2–3 to Belgium in a closely fought, rain-affected match at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup 2025 on Tuesday, tightening the race for the upcoming league fixtures. India, who began their campaign with a 1–0 win over South Korea, now have one win and one loss in the round-robin stage, with three more matches remaining before the classification or final rounds.

Belgium struck first through Roman Duvekot in the 17th minute, capitalising against the run of play after India had absorbed early pressure with disciplined defending. India thought they had equalised moments later when Dilpreet Singh finished a well-worked move, but the goal was disallowed for dangerous play, leaving Belgium 1–0 ahead at half-time.

India returned with urgency in the third quarter and were rewarded when Abhishek (33’) drilled home the equaliser following a sharp attacking build-up. With momentum shifting, India pressed for a second goal, but Belgium regained the lead through Nicolas De Kerpel (45’) from a penalty corner. Duvekot then added his second early in the fourth quarter to stretch their advantage to 3–1.

India refused to drop intensity. Shilanand Lakra (57’) pulled one back from a precise Rabichandra Singh cross, keeping India alive in the closing minutes. Defender Mohit HS also produced a critical late save to prevent Belgium from adding a fourth. Despite sustained pressure in the final moments, India could not find the leveller.

Key performers for India included goalkeeper Pawan, who made a series of important saves in the first half; Abhishek and Lakra, who provided the goals; Rabichandra Singh, whose creativity set up India’s second strike; and Mohit HS, who kept Indian hopes intact with his late defensive intervention.

The loss means India must now aim for full points against hosts Malaysia on November 26 to stay firmly in contention for a top-two finish, with goal difference likely to play a decisive role in a tightly contested field. Defensive discipline—especially during penalty corners—will be crucial as India look to revive their campaign.