Hosts India ended their first-leg campaign in the FIH Mens Hockey Pro League 2025-26 on a disastrous note, suffering four defeats in a row at Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela, Odisha today. Led by Harmanpreet Singh, India lost twice each to Belgium and Argentina.

An 8-0 drubbing at the hands of Argentina was the most humiliating of the four defeats. This is said to be the biggest defeat the Indian senior mens team has suffered in 16 years.

The 24-member Indian team for the Rourkela leg featured five players from Odisha. They were: Amit Rohidas, Shilanand Lakra, Nilam Sanjeep Xess, Amandeep Lakra and Rosan Kujur. Amandeep and Rosan made their Senior India debuts against Belgium and Argentina on February 14 and 15 respectively.

This is the seventh edition of the FIH Mens Pro League, which commenced earlier on 9 December 2025. The tournament, featuring nine countries, is scheduled to conclude on 28 June 2026. India will play their next four matches against Spain and Australia at Tasmanian Hockey Centre in Hobart, Australia between 21 and 24 February 2026.

INDIA PERFORMANCE:

11 February 2026 (At Birsa Munda International Hockey Stadium, Rourkela): India (Shilanand Lakra 29-PC) lost to Belgium (Nelson Onana 23-FG, Thomas Crols 53-FG, Arno van Dessel 57-FG) 1-3. PoM: Oliver Biekens (Belgium).

12 February 2026 (At Birsa Munda International Hockey Stadium, Rourkela): India lost to Argentina (Tomas Ruiz 14-FG, Tomas Domene 15-PC, 20-FG, 26-FG, 60-FG, Lucio Mendez 22-FG, Ignacio Ibarra 25-FG, Nicolas della Torre 30-PC) 0-8. PoM: Tomas Domene.

14 February 2026 (At Birsa Munda International Hockey Stadium, Rourkela): India (Aditya Arjun Lalage 24-FG, Harmanpreet Singh 37-PC) lost to Belgium (Hugo Labouchere 11-PC, Alexander Hendrickx 14-PC, 17-PC, Arthur de Sloover 15-PC) 2-4. PoM: Hugo Labouchere.

15 February 2026 (At Birsa Munda International Hockey Stadium, Rourkela): India (Aditya Arjun Lalage 50-FG, Sanjay Rana 59-PS) lost to Argentina (Tomas Domene 18-PC, Tadeo Marcucci 28-FG, 49-PC, Lucio Mendez 43-PC) 2-4. PoM: Tadeo Marcucci.