India lose to Belgium in three-nation hockey tournament opener

TIL Desk Sports/ The Indian men’s hockey team conceded two late goals in the final quarter to go down 1-2 to Belgium in their opening match of the three-nation invitational tournament here.

Despite taking a 1-0 lead in the third quarter through a splendid penalty corner conversion by Harmanpreet Singh, India conceded two goals via Cedric Charlier (52nd minute) and Tom Boon (55th) in the final quarter to lose the tie on Friday.

Riding high on their impressive 5-2 win against Germany in their first match on Thursday, Belgium got off the block against India with vigour.

But the Indian defence led by Rupinder Pal Singh, Harmanpreet and Surender Kumar, who played his 50th international match, prevented the Belgian side from taking an early lead.

After ending the first quarter in a stalemate, India were quick to earn their first penalty corner or PC in the 19th minute. Though dragflicker Harmanpreet’s attempt was well-struck and fierce, it was blocked by the Belgian defender’s stick thus missing out on a 1-0 lead.