Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium: Belgium defeated India 3-1 during the Rourkela leg of the FIH Men's Pro League 2025–26 on Wednesday at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium. Nelson Onana (23'), Thomas Crols (53') and Arno Van Dessel (57') scored the goals for Belgium while Shilanand Lakra (29') was the goalscorer for India.
It was an extremely competitive first quarter with both sides hardly making any mistakes at the back. Belgium earned an early penalty corner in the 4th minute however, Alexander Hendrickx's dragflick was stopped heroically by India's first rusher Vivek Sagar Prasad. Four minutes later India too received their first penalty corner but the home side couldn't capitalise on the occasion. While Belgium were holding more of the possession, India did well to hold their ground and launch quick counterattacks in search of goalscoring opportunities. In the 14th minute, Belgium won another penalty corner but this time Tom Boon's powerful attempt went narrowly wide off the target as the scores remained level.
The game opened up in the second quarter. Belgium were awarded a penalty corner in the 21st minute but Indian goalkeeper Pawan made a brilliant acrobatic save to deny Alexander Hendrickx a goal. Moments later, Belgium's Thomas Crols was through on goal but Pawan stepped out and made another crucial save to protect his goal. In the 23rd minute, Belgium found the opening goal as they did well to make an interception to win possession in a dangerous position. Thomas Crols passed the ball to Nelson Onana (23') who found the net with a simple finish. India stepped up their attack and made some crucial circle entries in the following minutes.
