The Indian men’s hockey team faced a setback in their opening match at the Paris 2024 Olympics hockey. They lost 2-1 to defending champions Belgium at the Yves-du-Manoir Stadium in Colombes on Thursday.
India’s Abhishek scored in the 18th minute to give the sixth-ranked team a brief lead. However, Belgium, ranked number one came back with goals from Thibeau Stockbroekx (33’) and John-John Dohmen (44’) to secure the win.
Belgium dominated early on, putting pressure on the Indian defense. However, goalkeeper PR Sreejesh played a key role in keeping India in the game by not conceding any goals in the first quarter. Despite Belgium’s relentless pressure, Sreejesh’s performance helped India stay competitive.
The second quarter saw India take the lead after Abhishek capitalized on a defensive error by Belgium, scoring a low shot to the keeper’s right. Despite several penalty corner opportunities for both teams, India managed to maintain their lead until the halftime break.
After the break, Belgium equalized with Stockbroekx’s goal, set up by Florent van Aubel. John-John Dohmen then gave Belgium the lead late in the third quarter after Sreejesh made an initial save but was outnumbered in the D.
Belgium’s defense held firm in the final quarter, ensuring their fourth consecutive win. India, who had already secured a quarter-final spot by winning against Ireland and New Zealand and drawing with Argentina, will face world No. 4 Australia in their final Pool B match on Friday.
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