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3w ago

Belgium Beats Both Indian Hockey Teams, World Cup Qualification in Doubt

Conceding late goals, failing to convert penalty corners, extending losing runs, both squads now focus on securing wins in their final Pro League matches.

Indian junior men’s hockey team starts 4-Nation Tournament with 1-7 loss to hosts Germany in Berlin on Saturday. Photo credit: Hockey India
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Overview

  • The men’s team suffered a 3-6 defeat to Belgium in Antwerp, marking their seventh straight loss and dropping them to eighth in the nine-team standings.
  • The women’s side fell 1-5 to Belgium, extending their losing streak to five and leaving them seventh ahead of concluding matches against China in Berlin.
  • Both teams have repeatedly conceded goals in the final quarter and struggled to capitalize on penalty corners, exposing defensive frailties and scoring inefficiencies.
  • India’s chances of securing direct qualification for the 2026 World Cup through the FIH Pro League have been effectively ended by their winless European leg.
  • Vice-captain Hardik Singh and captain Salima Tete have urged improvements in defensive discipline and penalty corner execution as they seek to salvage their remaining fixtures.