Indian men's hockey team loses 1-2 against reigning champion Belgium at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris

Paris (France): In their fourth Pool B match of the current Paris Olympics 2024, the bronze-medallist Indian men's hockey team lost 1-2 against the defending champion Belgian side.In the eighteenth minute, Abhishek gave India the lead. But following the break, Belgium mounted a valiant comeback to tie the score and take the lead thanks to goals from Thibeau Stockbroekx (33rd) and John-John Dohmen (44th) in the third quarter. This proved to be sufficient to secure the victory, as Belgium continued to win the tournament. From Pool B, Belgium and India have already advanced to the quarterfinals.

In the first two quarters, the Indian squad played well, controlling the ball and making  generating more chances compared to the Red Lions. The Belgian forwards were unable to generate many scoring opportunities, as the Indian defense effectively stopped two penalty corner situations. During his final international competition, veteran Indian goalie PR Sreejesh produced several outstanding saves.

In the eighth minute, Belgium got their first opportunity from a penalty corner, but Sreejesh made an excellent stop to deny Alexander Hendrickx. Then, in the eighteenth minute, Abhishek gave India the lead with a deft move that saw him slip past the Belgian defense and score.

In the twenty-third minute, Belgium managed another penalty corner, but Sreejesh again produced a vital stop to keep Hendrickx at bay. India's first penalty corner opportunity came shortly after, but Amit Rohidas blew it with captain Harmanpreet Singh off the field.

After the change of ends, behind by a goal, the Belgians came out swinging and put tremendous pressure on the Indian defence, which buckled three minutes into the second half.
In the 33rd minute, Stockbroekx was in the right place at the right moment to divert a pass inside the goal, giving Florent van Aubel's left wing the opportunity to pull even.

The Belgians were able to earn three consecutive penalty corners. Hendrickx was twice denied by Sreejesh, but Dohmen scored  on the third try, off a rebound during a goalmouth scramble to give Belgium the advantage. After that, the Indians had a few opportunities to break through the Belgian defense in the fourth and final quarter and were awarded a handful of penalty corners.

The final group match between Australia and India will take place on Friday.on the third try, off a rebound during a goalmouth scramble to give Belgium the advantage. After that, the Indians had a few opportunities to break through the Belgian defense in the fourth and final quarter and were awarded a handful of penalty corners.

The final group match between Australia and India will take place on Friday.