In the 5 Nations Tournament, the Indian women’s hockey team faced a second consecutive defeat, losing 1-2 to Belgium. The match saw Belgium’s Ambre Ballenghien (22′) and Louise Versavel (37′) scoring goals, while India’s Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke (56′) managed to secure a goal for the team.

From the initial whistle, both teams engaged in an intense battle, seeking to breach each other’s defenses. The first quarter concluded with the teams on level terms, setting the stage for a closely contested match.

The breakthrough occurred in the second quarter when Ambre’s goal gave Belgium the lead heading into halftime. The third quarter saw Belgium extend their lead, with Versavel finding the net early on.

Despite being behind, India persisted in their efforts, probing Belgium’s defense throughout the last quarter. In the dying moments of the game, Vaishnavi seized an opportunity and scored, injecting a surge of momentum for India. However, the team couldn’t capitalize further, and the match concluded with a 1-2 scoreline in favor of Belgium.

This defeat follows India’s earlier loss to Spain with a score of 2-3 in the tournament opener. Looking ahead, the Indian women’s hockey team is set to face Germany on December 19. The consecutive losses highlight the challenges and learning opportunities for the team in the 5 Nations Tournament, emphasizing the need for strategic adjustments and team cohesion as they strive for improved performances in upcoming matches.

_{Repurposed article originally published in News 18}