India ready for Belgium battle FIH Pro League: preview Bhubaneswar: They are confident after a stupendous debut at the FIH Pro League but India have their task cut out when they host world champions Belgium in their second round of the tournament, starting here on Saturday.
After skipping the first edition of the tournament in 2019, India made a dream debut at the League, collecting five points from the opening tie against the Netherlands.
World No. 5 India thrashed Netherlands 5- 2 in the opening match of the two- leg tie before beating the Dutchmen 3- 1 in shoot- out after both the teams were locked 3- 3 at the end of regulation time in the second match here last month.
But since then, the Manpreet Singh- led side has not featured in the league so far.
Belgium are currently leading the standings with 11 points, while Netherlands are placed second with seven points.
Australia are placed third, followed by Germany and India.
The Indians are expected to face a tough outing against Belgium at the Kalinga Stadium, a venue where the Red Lions won their maiden FIH World Cup in 2018.
But the visiting team skipper Thomas Briels said: u201c India are looking really sharp and they have been playing well which is something we saw in their initial two matches against the Dutch.u201d PTI Manpreet Singh more and to success,u201d who LIVE ON TV India v Belgium: Star Sports 2, Star Sports 2 HD, 16: 50
