India ends seven-game skid with 4-3 win over Belgium in FIH Pro League

India's men's hockey team snapped a seven-match losing streak in the FIH Pro League with a dramatic 4-3 win over Belgium in Antwerp on Sunday.

Trailing 3-2, India rallied back with Sukhjeet Singh scoring twice, including a crucial goal in the 35th minute just after Belgium took the lead through Arthur de Sloover's early strike.

"Sukhjeet Singh again came to India's rescue with his second goal (35th minute) of the match only a minute after going behind," highlighting his pivotal role.

The match was tightly contested, with the score tied 3-3 in the final minutes. India earned a referral after a strong challenge inside the circle, which was upheld, leading to a penalty stroke.

Harmanpreet Singh, returning from a hand injury and playing a limited role from the bench, confidently converted the penalty stroke with just two minutes remaining, sealing the victory.

"With the scores tied at 3-3 with just two minutes left for the final hooter, India asked for a referral after a strong challenge inside the circle. The decision went in India's favour and the brilliant Harmanpreet Singh stepped up to convert the penalty stroke and seal the issue in his team's favour."

This win marks India's first success in the European leg of the league, ending a tough run of seven consecutive losses, six of which were by narrow one-goal margins.

"Seven defeats in seven matches, six of those by one-goal margins, some unfortunate missed opportunities along the way… did he feel India had been unlucky?"

The victory provides a morale boost as India concludes its season on a high note against a relatively inexperienced Belgian side.

"What followed was a cracking match of hockey as India managed to end the losing streak in their last match of the season, beating a relatively inexperienced Belgium side 4-3 in Antwerp on Sunday."

India ended a seven-game losing streak in the FIH Pro League with a thrilling 4-3 victory over Belgium in Antwerp. Harmanpreet Singh's late penalty stroke sealed the win, while Sukhjeet Singh scored twice, helping India clinch their first European leg triumph.