Indian hockey team lose 1-2 to Belgium in practice game ahead of FIH League Semis

ANTWERP: The Indian men's hockey team went down fighting 1-2 to hosts Belgium in their second practice match ahead of the Fintro FIH World League Semi-Finals which will get underway here from June 20.

World ranked fourth Belgium opened their account in 12th minute of the match yesterday through a field goal.

India drew parity in the 32nd minute through striker Akashdeep Singh's brilliant field goal.

But the Belgians had the last laugh as they scored the winner in the 52nd minute through another field strike.

Both the teams earned three penalty corners each in the match but failed to convert a single opportunity.

India will play their third practice match against USA on June 16.

India had earlier defeated France 1-0 in their first practice game.

India will face France in their opening game of the tournament on June 20.