India loses to the Belgians in the men’s hockey semifinals at the Tokyo Olympics, leaving them to compete for bronze

The Indian men’s hockey team’s 41-year dream of reaching the Olympics final was dashed when it lost 2-5 to world champions Belgium in the last-four stage, but the team is still in contention for a bronze medal in the Tokyo Games on Tuesday (August 3). Alexander Hendrickx (19th, 49th, and 53rd minutes), the tournament’s leading scorer, scored a hat-trick, while Loick Luypaert (2nd minute) and John-John Dohmen (60th) also scored to give the reigning silver medalists their second consecutive entry into the Olympic final.

India’s goals were scored by Harmanpreet Singh (7th) and Mandeep Singh (8th). India’s last appearance in the Olympics final was at the 1980 Moscow Games, where they won their final of eight gold medals.

The Indians had only themselves to blame for Tuesday’s defeat, as all four of Belgium’s goals came from penalty corners. The Belgians relentlessly pressed the Indian defence, securing as many as 14 penalty corners, four of which they converted.

With Hendrickx and Luypaert in their ranks, Belgium’s game plan was clear from the start: enter the Indian circle and earn penalty corners.

The ploy was flawless, as the Indian defence wilted under pressure and conceded the set pieces. India earned five penalty corners in the game but could only use one.

The Indians still have a chance to win an Olympic medal, as they will compete in the bronze medal match on Thursday against the losing team from the second semifinal between Australia and Germany.

Earlier, Hendrickx scored his 13th goal of the tournament in the 49th minute, off the third penalty corner that the world champions received in a row in the fourth quarter. India must now push forward and level the game if they hope to compete for a gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics.

Belgium continued to frustrate India in their Tokyo Olympics men’s hockey semifinal on Tuesday, with the score tied at 2-2 at the end of the third quarter (August 3). India had numerous opportunities throughout the game, but only converted one of the five penalty corner opportunities.On the other hand, Sumit and Amit Rohidas of the Indian team put in some excellent defensive work against the World Champions. If the game remains tied at 2-2 at the end of the fourth quarter, a shootout will be held to determine the Tokyo Olympics hockey finalists.