Rourkela erupted in excitement on Wednesday as Belgium clinched a hard-fought 3-1 victory over hosts India in the FIH Men’s Pro League 2025-26 at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium. The match showcased top-tier hockey with relentless action from both sides, but Belgium’s clinical finishing proved decisive.
Nelson Onana broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute, capitalizing on a precise pass from Thomas Croons to slot home effortlessly. India responded swiftly, with Shilanand Lakra equalizing six minutes later from a penalty corner scramble, diving to deflect the ball past the keeper after Amit Rohidas’s initial shot was blocked.
The first quarter was a tense affair. Belgium earned a penalty corner as early as the fourth minute, but Vivek Sagar Prasad’s heroic first-rush block denied Alexander Hendrickx. India countered with their own set-piece opportunity soon after, though they couldn’t convert. Belgium dominated possession, yet India’s swift counterattacks kept them in the hunt.
In the third quarter, Germanypreet Singh’s goal-line clearance off Hendrickx preserved parity. But Belgium struck twice in quick succession late in the game. Croons netted the winner in the 53rd minute from Lucas Balthazar’s pinpoint baseline pass, followed by Arno Van Desse’s tap-in four minutes later, assisted by Croons again.
India showed resilience, nearly scoring through a counter involving Neelkanth Sharma and Kartik Selvam, but couldn’t find the net. Belgium’s superior conversion rate and tactical discipline secured the points, leaving Indian fans hopeful for future encounters in this high-stakes league.