India Slip to Ninth After 0-2 Defeat Against Belgium in FIH Women’s Pro League

Quick goals in the third quarter sink India as Belgium maintain third place; Indian women left struggling with relegation concerns.

Antwerp : The Indian women’s hockey team suffered yet another setback in the FIH Women’s Pro League, going down 0-2 to hosts Belgium at Antwerp on Sunday. With this defeat, India dropped to ninth place in the league standings, intensifying their relegation fears. Belgium, meanwhile, strengthened their hold on third position, behind table-toppers Netherlands and second-placed Argentina.

Following a 1-5 thrashing on Saturday, the Indian team took the field with renewed aggression and urgency. Determined to bounce back, India dominated the early moments of the match, pushing forward with good pace and energy. They earned a penalty corner early in the first quarter but couldn’t convert it. Belgium, on the other hand, got their first penalty corner six minutes before the quarter ended, courtesy of a defensive lapse from India. Though the initial effort seemed to result in a penalty stroke, India successfully appealed the decision through a video referral, which reversed the ruling in their favour.

The second quarter saw spirited runs from the Indian forwards. Captain Salima Tete led by example, firing a couple of shots on goal, but Belgium’s defence stood firm. At half-time, India had two penalty corners to Belgium’s one, and both teams were almost even in circle entries—India with eight and Belgium with ten. The first half ended goalless, and the match looked evenly poised.

However, the tide turned in the third quarter. India earned a penalty corner but again failed to capitalise. Belgium made no such mistake. In the 40th minute, Ambre Ballenghien broke the deadlock. Her initial shot was blocked by goalkeeper Savita, but the rebound bounced perfectly back to her, and she slotted it in to give Belgium a 1-0 lead. Just three minutes later, Belgium struck again through a well-worked penalty corner. The ball was played to the left where Liane Hillewaert was positioned, and she expertly deflected it into the net, leaving the Indian defence helpless.

The two quick goals rattled India, and despite their efforts in the final quarter, they failed to respond. Deepika and Jyoti tried to create chances, and midfielders like Neha, Navneet, Salima, and Rutuja supported with urgency. India made 22 circle entries—nearly equal to Belgium—but their inability to convert those into goals proved costly.

Belgium’s disciplined defence kept India at bay, and the 2-0 scoreline remained intact till the final whistle. With only two wins in the entire season, India now face a must-win situation in their upcoming clash against China to avoid relegation.

India’s struggle in the Pro League reflects deeper concerns over finishing and consistency, despite creating numerous opportunities. As the tournament heads into its final phase, India must regroup and bring sharper execution to stay afloat in the elite league.