India Lose to Belgium 2–3 in Sultan Azlan Shah Cup

The Indian men’s hockey team delivered a spirited performance but narrowly lost 2–3 to Belgium in a rain-affected, rescheduled match of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh, Malaysia, on Tuesday. India’s goals came from Abhishek (33’) and Shilanand Lakra (57’), while Belgium were powered by Roman Duvekot (17’, 46’) and Nicolas De Kerpel (45’).

India started with determination, absorbing early Belgian pressure and keeping the game level. Goalkeeper Pawan made key saves before Belgium earned consecutive Penalty Corners, which the Indian defence handled well to end the first quarter at 0–0.

In the second quarter, India moved forward with purpose, creating neat passing sequences. But Belgium struck first through Roman Duvekot (17’). India thought they had equalised when Dilpreet Singh found the net, but the goal was disallowed for dangerous play. Belgium held their 1–0 advantage at halftime.

India came out strong after the break and equalised through Abhishek (33’) following an excellent team move. Just as India built momentum, Belgium regained the lead with a penalty-corner goal from Nicolas De Kerpel (45’). Moments later, Roman Duvekot (46’) added another to make it 3–1.

India continued to fight, and Shilanand Lakra (57’) pulled one back after a sharp cross from Rabichandra Singh. Mohit HS then produced a brilliant late save to prevent Belgium from scoring again, but India could not find the equaliser in the final moments.

India will face Malaysia next on November 26 at 17:30 IST. All matches of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup 2025 are streamed live on FanCode.

--With inputs from IANS