India's Men’s Hockey Team Triumphs Over Belgium in FIH Pro League

India, 8 January 2026 — The Indian men's hockey team secured a crucial victory against Belgium in the FIH Pro League match held in Bhubaneswar on Saturday. The exhilarating encounter concluded with a scoreline of 3-2 in favor of India, marking a significant win in their Pro League campaign.

India's performance was highlighted by a stellar show from Harmanpreet Singh, who scored twice, taking his tally to an impressive number in the league. The first goal for India came in the 10th minute via a penalty corner, expertly converted by Singh. The young forward Shamsher Singh added to the scoreboard with a well-executed field goal in the second quarter.

Belgium, ranked higher than India, put up a strong fight with goals from Maxime Plennevaux and Alexander Hendrickx, leveling the score at various points in the match. However, India's defense, led by the experienced PR Sreejesh, managed to hold the fort in the final quarter, preventing any further goals from the Belgian side.

The victory is significant as it boosts India's position in the FIH Pro League standings, offering a morale boost ahead of their upcoming fixtures. This win also serves as a testament to the team's preparation under the guidance of chief coach Graham Reid, who has been working diligently on strengthening both the attack and defense.

The Indian team's next challenge will be against the Netherlands, another formidable opponent, as they continue their campaign in the league. The match is scheduled to take place in Bhubaneswar, providing the hosts with a familiar ground advantage.

The FIH Pro League serves as an important platform for teams to test their mettle against top international competition, and India’s recent performances have shown promise, reflecting the growth and potential of the team on the global stage.