Paris: In an electrifying encounter at the Paris Olympics, the Indian men’s hockey team faced a gut-wrenching defeat against Belgium, the reigning Olympic champions. The clash, which was nothing short of a dramatic rollercoaster, concluded with a tense 2-1 victory for Belgium on Thursday.
The game began with a surge of energy from India. Forward Abhishek delivered a stunning goal in the 18th minute, setting the crowd alight and giving Team India a 1-0 lead at halftime. Under the strategic guidance of Harmanpreet Singh, it appeared that an upset was within reach. However, the second half saw Belgium's indomitable spirit come to the fore.
The Belgian squad, renowned for their unwavering resilience, equalized in the 33rd minute through Thibeau Stockbroekx. As the final whistle approached, the intensity on the field reached fever pitch. In a dramatic turn of events, John-John Dohmen struck decisively in the 44th minute, scoring the goal that sealed the fate of the match and left the Indian team in shock.
This defeat represents a major blow for India, marking their first loss in Pool B at the Paris Olympics. Prior to this match, Team India had showcased formidable form, securing victories over New Zealand and Ireland, and a draw against Argentina.
On the other hand, Belgium continued their flawless campaign, boasting a perfect record with prior victories over Ireland, New Zealand, and a stunning 6-2 triumph over Australia, the Tokyo 2020 silver medallists.
Despite the heartache, both India and Belgium have clinched their spots in the men’s hockey quarterfinals, moving forward in the tournament.