The Indian men’s hockey team lost 2–3 to Belgium in their second match of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup. The game was played on Tuesday after heavy rain forced a delay.
Belgium scored first through Roman Duvekot in the 17th minute. India fought back with a goal from Abhishek in the 33rd minute. Belgium then took the lead again when Nicolas De Kerpel scored in the 45th minute. Later, Duvekot added another goal in the 57th minute. India’s Shilanand Lakra scored soon after, but it was not enough to equalize.
India had won their opening match against South Korea 1–0, but this defeat puts pressure on the team as they prepare to face hosts Malaysia next.
The Sultan Azlan Shah Cup is a six‑nation tournament held in Ipoh, Malaysia. Teams from India, Belgium, Malaysia, South Korea, New Zealand, and Canada are competing this year. India has won the Cup five times in the past, though their last victory came in 2010.
Officials said the young Indian squad will gain valuable experience from this tough competition, which is seen as an important step before bigger international events.
