Indian Hockey Team lose to Belgium in Practice Match

Indian Hockey Team lost their practice match to hosts Belgium 2-1. This was their second hockey match after they beat France 1-0 in the first practice match.  Both the matches were played on Saturday only.

Belgium, ranked no. 4, opened the scoring in the 12th minute via a field goal. India shot back in the 32nd minute to level scoring courtesy Akashdeep Singh’s brilliant stick work.

Despite India’s better ball possession, they couldn’t capitalise and hosts took the lead in the 52nd minute and held on to it till the end. Both the team got 3 penalty corners but failed consistently to convert them. India would play their next practice match against the United States on the 16th.

The Hockey World League (HWL) Semi-Final will be played from June 20 to July 5, and India will face France in their opener on 20th June.

The League features ten teams which are divided into two pools: Pool A and Pool B. India are in Pool A along with France, Poland, Pakistan and Australia whereas China, Ireland, Malaysia, Great Britain and Belgium form the Pool B.

Also read: Indian Hockey Squad for Hockey World League Announced