The Indian women’s hockey team’s woes continued in the FIH Women’s Pro League 2025 as they suffered a 0-2 defeat to Belgium in Antwerp. This latest setback leaves India at the bottom of the points table and staring at the threat of relegation, with only two matches left to salvage their season.
Belgium Clinch Win with Third-Quarter Goals
Match Summary
India started the match with renewed aggression, determined to bounce back from their previous 1-5 loss to Belgium. Early on, the Indian forwards pressed hard and even earned a penalty corner. However, the Belgian defense stood firm, and the opening half ended goalless despite several promising attacks from both sides.
The deadlock was finally broken in the third quarter:
40th minute: Ambre Ballenghien pounced on a rebound to loft the ball into the net, giving Belgium a 1-0 lead.
43rd minute: Lien Hillewaert capitalized on a penalty corner variation, doubling Belgium’s advantage with a deft deflection.
Despite making 22 circle penetrations and creating multiple chances, India could not find a breakthrough, with Belgium’s defense resolute in protecting their lead.
India’s Attacking Efforts Fall Short
Missed Opportunities and Defensive Lapses
Throughout the match, India showed flashes of promise:
- Skipper Salima Tete led several attacking surges.
- The team earned multiple penalty corners but failed to convert.
- Forwards like Navneet Kaur and Beauty Dung Dung created openings but lacked the finishing touch.
- Belgium, ranked third in the world, punished India’s defensive lapses and made the most of their opportunities, especially in the crucial third quarter.
Relegation Danger Looms for India
Points Table and Upcoming Fixtures
With this sixth consecutive defeat, India has slipped to ninth and last place in the FIH Women’s Pro League standings. England’s recent win over Spain has further complicated India’s survival hopes, as England moved up the table. India’s fate now hinges on their final two matches against China, the reigning Asian Games champions.
What India Needs to Avoid Relegation:
- Secure wins in both remaining matches against China.
- Hope for favorable results in other relegation battles.
- Improve penalty corner conversion and defensive organization.
What’s Next for the Indian Women’s Hockey Team?
The road ahead is tough, but not impossible. India must regroup quickly, address their finishing woes, and bring their best game against China. The team’s fighting spirit remains visible, but they need results to back it up and preserve their place in the elite Pro League.
FAQs: India Women vs Belgium, FIH Pro League
1. What was the result of the India vs Belgium FIH Women’s Pro League match?
India lost 0-2 to Belgium, with both goals coming in the third quarter.
2. Why is India in danger of relegation from the FIH Pro League?
India is at the bottom of the points table after six straight losses and must win their last two matches to avoid relegation.
3. Who scored for Belgium in the 0-2 win over India?
Ambre Ballenghien and Lien Hillewaert scored for Belgium in the 40th and 43rd minutes, respectively.
4. Who will India play next in the FIH Women’s Pro League?
India will face China, the Asian Games champions, in their final two matches of the season.
5. What does India need to do to stay in the FIH Pro League?
India must win both remaining matches and hope for favorable results elsewhere to avoid relegation.
Conclusion
India’s 0-2 loss to Belgium in the FIH Women’s Pro League has left their campaign hanging by a thread. Despite creating several chances, the inability to convert and defensive lapses have put the team in real danger of relegation. With just two matches left, the Indian women’s hockey team must dig deep, sharpen their attack, and find a way to deliver under pressure if they hope to remain among the world’s elite.
