Antwerp, 25th May 2024: The Indian Women’s Hockey Team took on Belgium in the FIH Hockey Pro League 2023/24 and lost 1-2 on Saturday. Ambre Ballenghien (15’) and Vanessa Blockmans (20‘) got on the scoresheet for Belgium while Sangita Kumari (34‘) scored the only goal for India.
Belgium began the game with a full-court press, making it difficult for India to play out from the back. However, the Indian eves endured the initial pressure and began dominating possession, while Belgium continued to press, looking for a chance to score on the counterattack. The pressure resulted in a penalty corner for Belgium, and Ambre Ballenghien stepped up to power the ball past Savita in goal, putting her team ahead as the first quarter drew to a close.
In the second quarter, Belgium employed the same tactic while India attempted to stitch a few passes together in Belgium’s half. Five minutes into the quarter, Belgium’s high press resulted in another penalty corner, and Vanessa Blockmans pounced on Louise Versavel’s deflected shot to score the second goal of the game. India reacted to the goal through Salima Tete, who turned on a sixpence in midfield, blazed to the right corner, and unleashed a rocket on goal, which was saved by Belgian keeper Elodie Picard. India struggled to play out of their half as Belgium continued to close down their passing lanes, forcing the Indian defense into a scramble to keep it 2-0 heading into halftime.
Belgium further intensified the pressure in the third quarter. However, Jyoti bypassed the press to find Deepika, whose forward pass deflected to Sangita Kumari in the circle. She flashed it into Elodie Picard’s goal to bring India back into the game. After the goal, India occasionally started to beat the Belgian press, but Belgium was quick to threaten the Indian defense. They won the ball high up the pitch and forced Savita into action. Delphine Marien remained a constant threat down the right wing for Belgium, but the Indian defense stood firm, and the quarter ended 2-1 in Belgium’s favour.
The final quarter saw India turn over the ball in their half, but Belgium failed to capitalize. The game became stretched as both teams looked to score quickly towards the end. India created a chance to score through Deepika, but her shot was saved, and Sangita snatched the chance to score from the deflection but was not able to convert it. Savita had to stay alert in goal as the Belgian forwards constantly won the ball and threatened to score. With five minutes left in the quarter, Belgium earned a penalty corner, but the ball sailed wide of the post. India grew into the game, pushing ahead in search of an equalizer. Deepika was handed a chance to score in the final moments, but the Belgian defense rushed to subdue the chaos in front of the goal and sealed a 2-1 victory over India.
The Indian Women’s Hockey Team will take on Argentina in their next match at 1515hrs IST on 26th May.
All matches of the FIH Hockey Pro League 2023/24 will be streamed on JioCinema, additionally, all India matches will be telecast on Sports18 – Khel.
About HOCKEY INDIA
HOCKEY INDIA (HI) is the governing body with exclusive mandate to direct and conduct all activities for both men and women’s hockey in India. It is recognized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Govt. of India as the sole body responsible towards promoting Hockey in India.
Headquartered in New Delhi, Hockey India was established on 20th May, 2009 and is affiliated to the International Hockey Federation (FIH), the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and Asian Hockey Federation (AHF).
Committed to the development of Hockey in the country, Hockey India with the assistance of Sports Authority of India and Department of Sports, Government of India, trains players at sub-junior, junior and senior level. The governing body engages in Coaching the coaches with International Standard certification programs, educates and equips technical officials and umpires to find a foothold in international arena, provides world-class infrastructure and International exposure for the players besides regular international competition. Hockey India has also pioneered in bringing top International hockey events to India such as the FIH Men’s World Cup in 2010 and 2018, FIH Champions Trophy in 2014, FIH Junior Men’s World Cup in 2016 and 2021, FIH Hockey World League Final in 2017. With its vision to popularize the game and constantly promote it, Hockey India brought the Indian Men’s Hockey Team into the top three in the world. Hockey India is also dedicated to getting the Indian Women’s Hockey Team into the top three in the world.
About ODISHA
Odisha – the Eastern State of India – is known for its love for Hockey and over the years it has evolved to be the Global Hub of Hockey. The State successfully hosted the Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup Bhubaneswar 2018, followed by the FIH Men’s Series Finals Bhubaneswar Odisha, FIH Olympic Qualifiers Odisha, and FIH Hockey Pro League 2020-21. Odisha has previously hosted the Champions Trophy 2014 and the Odisha Men’s Hockey World League Final Bhubaneswar 2017. Odisha also hosted the FIH Men’s Hockey Junior World Cup in 2021.
Kalinga Lancers, the team owned by the State, were the winners in the Hockey India League 2017. Taking a step further towards realising the dream of restoring the glory of Indian Hockey at the global level, the State is sponsoring the Indian Hockey Teams till 2033.
Odisha also hosted the FIH Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup 2023 and the Rourkela and Bhubaneswar legs of the FIH Hockey Pro League 2022/23 and 2023/24.
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