The Indian men’s hockey team finally won their first win by defeating Belgium 4-3 in the European phase of the FIH Pro League on Sunday and thus ended the defeat in seven consecutive matches. With the help of the goals of Sukhjit Singh (21st, 35th), Amit Rohidas (36th) and Harmanpreet Singh (59th), India made a positive end with the victory of their campaign. India finished eighth position in this way, 14 points ahead of Ireland.
Arthur de Slover (8th) for Belgium, Thibu Stockbrokes (34th) and Hugo Labochare (41st) scored goals. It was a memorable match for Sukhjeet and Dilpreet Singh, who completed their 100 international matches. However, India also had to struggle in this match. When the last hooter was left for only two minutes and the score was equal to 3-3, India broke into the Belgian circle and then asked for a referral. The decision went in favor of India and Harmanpreet Singh ensured his team’s victory by converting penalty stroke into a goal.
Belgium, however, initially put pressure on India. Arthur de Slover scored the first goal from his side in the eighth minute. In this way Belgium took a 1-0 lead in the first quarter to take a 1-0 lead. The presence of captain Harmanpreet showed the morale of the Indian team. He focused on the attack from the beginning and showed a good game in another quarter.
India got the first penalty corner in the 20th minute but Hardik Singh’s shot was stopped. A minute later, Sukhjit Singh got equal with a goal on the penalty corner. Belgium introduced an aggressive game at the beginning of the third quarter, which also benefited him and with the help of Tibue Stockbrokes, he again gained an edge.
Sukhjit Singh scored his second goal in the 35th minute of the match to give India again. This time he scored a beautiful field goal with the help of Abhishek. Amit Rohidas gave India a lead for the first time in the match by scoring a goal on the penalty corner. Rohidas hit a brilliant shot which hit the goal. However, this happiness of the Indian team did not last long. Belgium scored a penalty corner on which Hugo Labocher scored his first international goal. But Harmanpreet finally ensured India’s victory.