India eves go down 2-4 to Belgium in Champions Challenge 1

The Indian women's hockey team gave a good fight but went down 2-4 in a close match to Belgium in the classification match of the Champions Challenge 1 here Saturday.

Indians defended well right from the start but in the 20th minute Belgian skipper Charlotte de Vos struck through a field goal. Belgium's lead lasted just five minutes as Poonam Rani fired in the equaliser by converting a penalty corner to make it 1-1 for India.

The Belgium team came back well and Emilie Sinia scored the second goal for the team in the 28th minute of the match through a field goal. The Indian team defended well and did not let Belgium score any more goals till the end of the first half.

In the second half, the Indians tried their best to come back strongly and Monika scored the second goal for her team in the 44th minute through a field goal. In the very next minute (45th minute) Louise VersaVel scored another goal for Belgium taking the lead to 3-2.

The Indian team gave a tough fight but in the 60th minute Emilie Sinia scored another goal helping Belgium win the game 4-2. India will now play hosts Scotland for the seventh place.