Sultan Azlan Shah Cup: Indian Men's Hockey Team Go Down In Rescheduled Belgium Clash

Sultan Azlan Shah Cup: Indian Men's Hockey Team Go Down In Rescheduled Belgium Clash

The Indian men's hockey team lost to Belgium 2-3 in their rescheduled second round-robin match of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup on Tuesday. The match was originally scheduled for Monday but had to be pushed to the next day following bad weather.

Abhishek (33') and Shilanand Lakra (57') scored for India, while Roman Duvekot (17', 57') and Nicolas De Kerpel (45') netted for Belgium.

The game between India and Belgium began on time, but heavy showers forced the umpires to stop the match after just three minutes.

The match was initially rescheduled to start at 8:45 PM IST, but the weather did not improve, leading the organisers to postpone it again.

“We would like to inform you that the Indian Men's Hockey Team's match against Belgium in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup 2025 has been postponed. The match is now set to resume tomorrow (25th November) at 10:00 MYT (7:30 AM IST)," stated the organisers.

India made a determined start, keeping Belgium at bay and enduring early pressure. Indian goalkeeper Pawan made crucial saves on both sides of the restart, allowing India to grow into the game. Belgium had their first significant chance from a Penalty Corner ten minutes into the match, quickly followed by another, but the Indian defence held firm to keep the game level after the first quarter.

In the second quarter, India began assertively, stringing together neat passes in search of an opening. However, Belgium took the lead against the run of play with a goal from Roman Duvekot (17'), breaking Pawan's resistance. Dilpreet Singh quickly responded with a tidy move for India, but the goal was disallowed for dangerous play. Despite India's efforts, Belgium maintained their 1-0 lead at halftime.

India started the second half energetically and found an equalizer through Abhishek (33'), finishing off a superb move. With momentum on their side, India pressed Belgium in search of a second goal. Unfortunately, Belgium regained the lead with Nicolas De Kerpel (45') converting from a penalty corner.

Belgium extended their advantage early in the fourth quarter with Roman Duvekot (46') scoring, providing some breathing room. India sought an instant response and came close from a Penalty Corner with under ten minutes remaining. Shilanand Lakra (57') scored after a brilliant cross from Rabichandra Singh, giving India hope. With ninety seconds left, Mohit HS made a sensational stop to deny Belgium a fourth goal, keeping India in the hunt. However, the equaliser eluded them in this closely contested match.

India will next play Malaysia on 26th November.

India, participating in the prestigious tournament after a six-year hiatus, had won their opening match against Korea 1-0 on Sunday.

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Mohammed Raheel scored the only goal for India in the 15th minute following an excellent build-up by the team, who dominated the midfield with significant contributions from Abhishek and captain Sanjay, a member of the Paris Olympic bronze-winning team.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Source: News18
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