Sultan Azlan Shah Cup: India suffer narrow defeat against Belgium

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The Indian men's hockey team put up a spirited fight but fell short in a closely-contested 2-3 defeat to Belgium in a rain-hit Sultan Azlan Shah Cup encounter that was rescheduled on Tuesday.

Abhishek (33') and Shilanand Lakra (57') were on target for India, while Roman Duvekot (17', 46') and Nicolas De Kerpel (45') netted for Belgium.

India made a composed start, absorbing Belgium's early pressure with disciplined defending. Goalkeeper Pawan produced crucial saves at both ends of the first quarter to keep the scores level. Belgium earned back-to-back penalty corners around the 10-minute mark, but the Indian defence stood firm to ensure a goalless opening period.

The momentum shifted slightly in the second quarter as India pushed higher up the pitch, linking passes and looking dangerous in attack. However, Belgium drew first blood in the 17th minute through Roman Duvekot, who broke the deadlock against the run of play. India nearly equalised soon after when Dilpreet Singh found the net, but the goal was disallowed for dangerous play. Despite India's intent, Belgium retained their slender 1-0 lead at halftime.

After the break, India came out strongly and levelled the scores through Abhishek's neat finish in the 33rd minute. With the momentum now in their favour, the Indian side pressed forward, but Belgium regained the lead towards the end of the third quarter as Nicolas De Kerpel converted a penalty corner in the 45th minute.

Belgium widened the gap early in the final quarter, with Duvekot striking again in the 46th minute to make it 3-1. India refused to back down and kept probing for a way back. Lakra reignited India's hopes in the 57th minute after finishing off a precise cross from Rabichandra Singh. Despite a late flurry and Mohit HS's crucial save that denied Belgium a fourth goal, India could not find the equaliser and had to settle for a narrow defeat in a fiercely contested match.