FIH Hockey Pro League: India edge past Belgium after a dramatic shootout

Within the regulation time, Shamsher Singh in the 17th minute, Harmanpreet Singh in the 51st minute and Jarmanpreet in the 57th minute were the goalscorers for India. In contrast, Charlier Cédric in the 20th minute, Gougnard Simon in the 35th minute and De Kerpel Nicolas in the 50th minute scored for Belgium.

After a cage first- quarter, Shamsher Singh opened the scoring for India with a well-executed shot two minutes into the second quarter. India tried to build on the momentum with back-to-back attacks, but the Belgian goalkeeper Loic van Doren held the Indian attackers at bay. Belgian soon launched a counterattack as Charlier Cédric found the Indian goal after receiving a brilliant pass from Tom Boon. The first half ended with both the squads levelled 1-1.

Belgium went on a goalscoring spree in the second half as Gougnard Simon scored, followed by a neat drag-flick past the Indian goalkeeper Parattu Raveendran from a penalty corner by Nicholas de Kerpel, giving the home side a 3-1 lead. Indian side burst into action after being shocked by the Belgian attack. Harmanpreet Singh narrowed the lead for India with a well-placed penalty stroke. With just two minutes left on the clock, De Kerpel Nicolas levelled the scores with a penalty stroke past the Belgian keeper Loic van Doren, sending the match into a shootout. In the shootout, the Indian squad edged past Belgium 5-4 to seal the victory.

In a post-match interview, PR Sreejesh said, "That was a great come back from my teammates. They never gave up. Tomorrow is all about the energy; they are a great side and will utilise any opportunities, so we have to stay energetic all the time.

Owing to the victory, India regained the second spot from Belgium with 29 points from 13 games, while the Belgian side fell to the third place with 28 points from 13 games.

Belgium women's hockey team beats India 2-1

In the women's event, Belgium won against India 2-1 in the first leg of the FIH Pro League match at Sportcentrum Wilrijkse Plein in Antwerp on June 11.

Belgium got an early lead as Nelen Barbara opened the scoring for the home side after receiving a pass from Louise Versavel two minutes into the game. Ballenghien Ambre added another to double the lead for Belgium early into the second half.

India had to win or draw this game to prevent Argentina from being crowned champions. Lalremsiami made a solo run and went past the Belgian defence with a brilliant display of one-on-one skills to open the scoring for India in the 47th minute. India mounted more attacks, but the Belgian defence held the ground as the final whistle rang.

In a post-match interview, Player of the Match Charlotte Engelbert said, "Our win was deserved. We have to fix some details, particularly at the end of the game. We have to work on that because it was the same with Spain. Now we are sixth in the world, so that is great.