Field Hockey is a highly respected sport steeped in tradition and history. Over the last 100 years, the sport has seen many memorable rivalries. One of the most interesting and evolving rivalries in modern hockey is the rivalry between India and Belgium – two countries with different but converging hockey legacies. India, who was once regarded as the unquestionable king of world hockey, possessing a legacy of artistry and flair, has certainly had a strong attempted resurgence in the 21st century. Belgium, meanwhile, has quickly arisen in the global rankings to become part of the global elite in men’s hockey. Together, these two teams have created an intriguing narrative through their encounters over the past 100 years, and their encounters demonstrate a compelling story of dominance, resurgence and rivalry.
Head-to-Head Overview
- Total Matches Played: 94
- India Wins: 52
- Belgium Wins: 27
- Draws: 15
- India Win Percentage: 55.32%
Statistically, India has a firm historical edge, winning over half the encounters. Yet, that doesn’t tell the whole story. We have to consider the timeline and context of the matches as the rivalry has changed a lot over the years.
Initial Encounters: Indian Domination (Pre-2000s)
India and Belgium clashed for the first time during an international hockey competition when Indian hockey was at its pinnacle. In fact, when we think of Indian hockey in the years from the 1920s to the 1980s, we find that India won eight Olympic gold medals. India was running on all cylinders in strategy, speed, skill with the stick, and passing.
At this time, the same could not be said for Belgium. Belgium was still building their hockey infrastructure and had not had any true success on the world stage. When the two teams met, the inequity was evident. In all tests, India dominated Belgium during the late 1960s, 70s, and 80s, often by significant and commanding margins.
Take for example Olympic matches (and other major competitions) India had an almost perfect record during this period, as the individualistic style and ability of the Indian side confused the Belgian side.
This period makes up a considerable portion of India’s 52 wins in the complete head-to-head record.
The Turn of the Century: Shift in Balance
The 2000s were a turning point for world hockey. The game continued to speed up and add muscle and tactical knowledge. Artificial turf had already done much to change the balance of the game back in the 1970s, but it wasn’t until the 2000s that European teams began to exploit the changes.
Belgium, for so long on the fringes of elite international hockey, started to heavily invest in grassroots coaches and sports science. Their national team started to rise rapidly through the rankings.
Meanwhile, India continued to be beleaguered with internal issues – governance and administration, poor performance, and limited modern infrastructure – and Belgium was working hard to develop their national team, improving year after year. By the 2010s, Belgium, once a perennial underdog, had arrived as a legit title contender.
This began to show in their results against India. India had a better overall record, but Belgium began to win with more regularity and conviction.
Contemporary Era: An Equal Contest (2010s–2020s)
By the mid-2010s, India had created a competitive rivalry with Belgium, which was one of the most anticipated match-ups in the international calendar. No longer just a one-sided affair, matches were now tactical, challenging and skillful matches between two evenly matched teams.
Key Clashes in the 2010s and 2020s:
2016 Rio Olympics: One of the most significant contemporary encounters occurred during the Group phase of the Rio Olympics when Belgium beat India 3 – 1. It was a decisive victory for Belgium, who won a silver medal in this given tournament.
2018 Hockey World Cup (Bhubaneswar, India):
India played Belgium in a group match which ended in an exhilarating draw of 2 – 2. Belgium would go on to win the World Cup and would cement their place as the best team in the world.
FIH Pro League matches:
The FIH Pro League added even more competitive fixtures between the top teams and almost every India-Belgium match-up has been high stakes and high quality. While both teams have won matches in this competition, they have shown that they are closely matched.
2020 Tokyo Olympics:
One of the most paramount matches played in recent memory was between India and Belgium in the semi-final of the Tokyo Olympics. India initially took the lead before Belgium emerged victorious winning 5 – 2 thanks to a hattrick from Alexander Hendrickx. The Belgium team would secure the gold medal, and India would collect bronze, India’s first Olympic Hockey medal in 41 years.
This era has made the rivalry much more even. While India still has the overall wins tally in their favour, Belgium’s most recent key wins have given them the psychological upper hand.
Playing Styles: Different yet Compatible
One of the most interesting aspects of the rivalry between India and Belgium is the idea of style, as it relates to their approach to the game:
India: Traditionally seen as a team that has flair, dribbling and attacking hockey, the modern Indian team has changed under foreign coaches such as Graham Reid, with more structure and more of a focus on defense. India with its counter-attacking style, as well as their ability to convert penalty corners, as well as just fitness; Indian hockey, has got deeper into these areas.
Belgium: Seen as a team, with superb tactical discipline, fitness and structured play, Belgium play possession based hockey, which offers their players many opportunities to take possession, to press high and finish sharp. Players like Tom Boon, Victor Wegnez and Arthur Van Doren have been an essential part of Belgium’s rise.
These different styles have made for some high stakes, high scoring matches and momentum swings.
Key Players Who Shaped the Rivalry
For India:
- PR Sreejesh: The veteran goalkeeper has served as a wall for India especially for key matches against Belgium.
- Manpreet Singh: His work as a midfielder and captain has been key for organizing India’s flow of play.
- Harmanpreet Singh: A regular number one drag flicker in the world and has often been the game changer in tight matches.
For Belgium:
- Alexander Hendrickx: The penalty corner specialist was huge in Belgium winning in the semi finals of the 2020 Olympics against India.
- Arthur Van Doren: The best defender in the world, he provides the bedrock of the Belgium defence.
- Tom Boon: A consistently high goal scorer, Boon has tormented Indian defenses with his accuracy.
The Rivalry Beyond Numbers
It is true that India’s record well outstrips Belgium, but foreshadowing their last four encounters, it is becoming ever clearer we have much tighter competition. Belgium’s rise coincided with India’s resurgence, and the matches have contested and very even – with the ultimate price having gone to Belgium in the last two Olympics. With the two nations facing each other more frequently now in elite international tournaments including the Olympics, the World Cup, Champions Trophy and FIH Pro League, this competitive relationship is so fresh and fierce!
This rivalry is enhanced further by the respect shared between the players and nations, as there is a level of sportspersonship in the competitive moments. Not all rivalries are the same with some littered with animosity, India and Belgium actually seem to play to the whistle and have hard clean contests
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What Lies Ahead
As long as both nations continue to put money into their pathways, we will start to see these collaborations become more consequential. India is intent to reclaim their status and Belgium is intent to keep their status, and they must cross paths again on the biggest work stages
There are bound to be a few memorable major encounters ahead particularly now the FIH Hockey World Cup, Champions Trophy and Paris Olympics are upcoming.
Conclusion
The saga of the India versus Belgium hockey rivalry is an interesting story of historic domination, contemporary revival, and heated rivalry. With 94 matches played with the outcome of 52 Indian wins, 27 Belgian wins and 15 drawn games, the statistics tell one side of the story – but the development of the rivalry tells the most intriguing story.
From India’s early dominance, through Belgium’s golden era, to a current period of competitive parity, this matchup embodies everything that is thrilling about international hockey. For fans, players and historians, this matchup is more than just a game – it is a modern classic that continues to be written.
FAQs on India vs Belgium Hockey Head-to-Head
Q1. How many times have India and Belgium faced each other in hockey?
India and Belgium have played against each other multiple times across the Olympics, World Cup, Pro League, and other tournaments. Their head-to-head record is closely contested in recent years.
Q2. Which team has the upper hand in India vs Belgium hockey matches?
Historically, India had dominance in earlier decades, but Belgium has risen strongly in modern hockey, especially after their Olympic and World Cup victories.
Q3. Have India and Belgium faced each other in the Olympics?
Yes, India and Belgium have clashed in the Olympics, with memorable encounters including India’s win in the early years and Belgium’s strong performance in recent editions.
Q4. What was the result of the last India vs Belgium hockey match?
The most recent match result between India and Belgium can be checked in the latest FIH Pro League or tournament records, as results vary depending on the competition.
Q5. Where can I watch India vs Belgium hockey live?
Fans can watch India vs Belgium hockey matches live on official broadcasters like Star Sports, Sony Sports, or FIH’s streaming platforms, depending on the tournament.
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