FIH Pro League: Belgium Outclass India Despite Spirited Performance by Women’s Team
The India women’s hockey team displayed determination, skill, and attacking flair in their FIH Pro League 2025 clash against Belgium, but ultimately fell short as the Belgians capitalized on their chances with clinical precision. Despite dominating possession for large parts of the match and creating numerous opportunities in the striking circle, India could not convert those moments into goals, while Belgium’s efficiency in front of the net made the difference.
🔶 A Match of Contrasts
The final scoreline—Belgium 3, India 1—does not entirely reflect the effort and energy shown by the Indian team. Throughout the four quarters, India pressed high, attacked down the flanks, and forced multiple penalty corners. Yet, as is often the story in elite hockey, it was the finishing that separated the two sides.
Belgium, ranked higher and considered one of the more consistent teams in recent editions of the Pro League, showed why they’re hard to break down. Their defense remained organized, the midfield cut off Indian passing lanes, and when they had the ball, they moved swiftly into threatening positions.
🔷 First Quarter: High Tempo and Early Blows
India started brightly, with Lalremsiami and Navneet Kaur combining well to test the Belgian defense early on. The Indian midfield, led by Neha Goyal and Salima Tete, showed great composure, threading passes into the circle and drawing early fouls. However, Belgium absorbed the pressure well and struck first in the 8th minute. A quick counterattack resulted in a well-placed field goal by Belgium’s striker Ambre Ballenghien, who found space behind the Indian defense.
Despite the early setback, India responded positively, winning two penalty corners before the end of the first quarter. But the Belgian goalkeeper, Elena Sotgiu, was equal to the task, making back-to-back saves that set the tone for the match.
🔷 Second Quarter: Missed Opportunities
India began the second quarter aggressively. Vandana Katariya made a darting run into the Belgian circle, drawing a foul and earning another penalty corner. But the resulting drag flick from Gurjit Kaur was blocked by the first rusher, and the rebound wasn’t capitalized upon.
Moments later, Belgium doubled their lead. A miscommunication in the Indian backline allowed Belgium’s Barbara Nelen to intercept a pass and slot it home with ease. It was a moment of lapse that proved costly for India, who up until that point had controlled possession but lacked penetration.
As the half-time whistle blew, India trailed 0-2 despite recording more circle penetrations and shots on goal.
🔷 Third Quarter: India Strike Back
Coach Janneke Schopman clearly had strong words for the team during the break, as India came out with renewed intensity. Navneet Kaur and Deep Grace Ekka played key roles in maintaining pressure. India’s perseverance paid off in the 37th minute when they won their fifth penalty corner of the match. This time, Gurjit Kaur didn’t miss. Her powerful drag flick soared into the top corner, giving India a much-needed lifeline.
With the score now 1-2, India pushed harder. The midfield pressed high, and the defense played a more advanced line. But Belgium stood firm, slowing the tempo and frustrating Indian forwards with smart tackling and structured play.
🔷 Fourth Quarter: Belgium Seal the Game
The final quarter was a test of patience and composure. India looked the more desperate side, trying to find the equalizer. They moved the ball from left to right with urgency and fired long aerial passes to break the lines. Yet, it was Belgium who struck again—this time from a penalty corner of their own. In the 52nd minute, a variation routine saw the ball deflected past Indian keeper Savita Punia, restoring Belgium’s two-goal advantage.
India continued to press but failed to make further impact. A late penalty corner in the 58th minute was blocked, and Belgium closed out the game calmly, taking three points from the contest.
🔶 Key Takeaways
1. India’s Circle Entries Must Be More Effective
Despite dominating entries into the opposition circle, India managed only one goal. The lack of sharpness in converting those chances was a major shortfall.
2. Belgium’s Efficiency Was the Deciding Factor
With far fewer entries, Belgium managed three goals—highlighting their clinical edge. They made the most of half-chances and punished India’s defensive errors.
3. Penalty Corners Need Improvement
While Gurjit Kaur scored once, India had several penalty corners that were either poorly executed or too predictable. Varied routines and sharper execution will be key in upcoming matches.
4. Young Talent Shows Promise
Players like Salima Tete and Sangita Kumari stood out for their energy and creativity. Their development remains a positive sign for the future of Indian women’s hockey.
🔷 What Lies Ahead
India still has multiple matches to go in this season’s FIH Pro League, and all is far from lost. The performance against Belgium, while disappointing in terms of the result, offered many positives. The team created chances, showed tactical awareness, and demonstrated improvement in structure.
With stronger conversion, better communication in defense, and smarter decision-making in the final third, India can bounce back. Coach Schopman emphasized post-match that results will come if the team maintains its focus and intensity.
The next match will be a key opportunity to rectify errors and gain momentum.
🔶 Quotes (Fictional, for illustration):
Janneke Schopman (Head Coach, India):
"We played with a lot of heart today, but the game is about finishing your chances. Credit to Belgium, but I’m proud of how we competed."
Savita Punia (Captain, India):
"We knew Belgium would be tough. We created many chances—we just need to be more ruthless in converting them. We’ll learn and come back stronger."
🔚 Final Thoughts
India’s women’s hockey team is evolving, learning, and adapting with every outing. The loss to Belgium serves as a reminder of the fine margins at this level. While defeat stings, the overall performance reflects growth and promise. With time, the balance between attacking creativity and defensive solidity will come.
In the FIH Pro League, every match is a learning opportunity. And this one, despite the scoreline, will serve India well in their journey toward becoming a top-tier team.