FIH Pro League 2023-24: Indian women’s hockey team loses 2-1 against Belgium
(Courtesy : Hockey India)
The Indian Women’s Hockey Team will take on Argentina in their next match.
The Indian Women’s Hockey Team took on Belgium in the FIH Hockey Pro League 2023/24 and lost 1-2 on Saturday. Ambre Ballenghien (15’) and Vanessa Blockmans (20‘) got on the scoresheet for Belgium while Sangita Kumari (34‘) scored the only goal for India.
Belgium began the game with a full-court press, making it difficult for India to play out from the back. However, the Indian eves endured the initial pressure and began dominating possession, while Belgium continued to press, looking for a chance to score on the counterattack. The pressure resulted in a penalty corner for Belgium, and Ambre Ballenghien stepped up to power the ball past Savita in goal, putting her team ahead as the first quarter drew to a close.
In the second quarter, Belgium employed the same tactic while India attempted to stitch a few passes together in Belgium’s half. Five minutes into the quarter, Belgium’s high press resulted in another penalty corner, and Vanessa Blockmans pounced on Louise Versavel’s deflected shot to score the second goal of the game. India reacted to the goal through Salima Tete, who turned on a sixpence in midfield, blazed to the right corner, and unleashed a rocket on goal, which was saved by Belgian keeper Elodie Picard. India struggled to play out of their half as Belgium continued to close down their passing lanes, forcing the Indian defense into a scramble to keep it 2-0 heading into halftime.
Belgium further intensified the pressure in the third quarter. However, Jyoti bypassed the press to find Deepika, whose forward pass deflected to Sangita Kumari in the circle. She flashed it into Elodie Picard’s goal to bring India back into the game. After the goal, India occasionally started to beat the Belgian press, but Belgium was quick to threaten the Indian defense. They won the ball high up the pitch and forced Savita into action. Delphine Marien remained a constant threat down the right wing for Belgium, but the Indian defense stood firm, and the quarter ended 2-1 in Belgium’s favour.
Also Read: Indian junior men’s hockey team face defeat against Bredase in third match of Europe tour
Trending Indian Sports articles
- Top 10 most followed sports in India in 2024
- Can Indian boxers still qualify for Paris Olympics 2024 after disappointment at 1st World boxing Qualifiers?
- What are the qualification marks of all Track & Field events for Paris Olympics 2024?
- List of Indian athletes to have secured qualification for Paris Olympics 2024
The final quarter saw India turn over the ball in their half, but Belgium failed to capitalize. The game became stretched as both teams looked to score quickly towards the end. India created a chance to score through Deepika, but her shot was saved, and Sangita snatched the chance to score from the deflection but was not able to convert it. Savita had to stay alert in goal as the Belgian forwards constantly won the ball and threatened to score. With five minutes left in the quarter, Belgium earned a penalty corner, but the ball sailed wide of the post. India grew into the game, pushing ahead in search of an equalizer. Deepika was handed a chance to score in the final moments, but the Belgian defense rushed to subdue the chaos in front of the goal and sealed a 2-1 victory over India.
The Indian Women’s Hockey Team will take on Argentina in their next match at 1515hrs IST on 26th May.
For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram
- Rajinder Singh plans to buy his father 'a car he fancies' after bagging big money at Hockey India League auction
- India crowned champions of Women's Asian Champions Trophy 2024, win title for record third time
- Women's Asian Champions Trophy: Full list of title winners
- India vs China Highlights, Women's Asian Champions Trophy 2024 Final
- Women's Asian Champions Trophy 2024 updated schedule, fixtures, results, live streaming details
- Women's Asian Champions Trophy: Full list of title winners
- Women's Asian Champions Trophy 2024 updated schedule, fixtures, results, live streaming details
- Indian Sports Calendar November 2024: Hockey ACT, FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers, ATP Finals, India's tour of South Africa and more
- Full updated squad of all teams in Women's Hockey India League
- Hockey India League: Top five most expensive Indian players at women's auction