The Indian men’s hockey team will open its FIH Men’s Pro League 2025–26 campaign at home during the Rourkela leg, scheduled from February 10 to 15 at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium, where the hosts will take on Belgium and Argentina in what promises to be a high-intensity start to the season.
The highest court of Belgium rejects fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi’s appeal against extradition to India.
The Indian men’s hockey team went down 3–6 to Belgium in the ongoing FIH Hockey Pro League 2024–25 (Men) in Antwerp on Saturday. Goals by Dilpreet Singh (36’) and Mandeep Singh (38’) helped India come back from a two-goal deficit, while a late third goal from Amit Rohidas (56’) kept India in the contest.
The delegation led by Prasad returned to the national capital after the diplomatic tour of six key European countries.
India on Thursday said it is working closely with Belgium for the extradition of fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi, who was recently arrested in the European country.
Interestingly, both the losers came through to the quarter finals of the Hockey world Cup after winning shootouts in their cross over matches.
Belgium, who was trailing 1-2 till the 54th minute equalised in the 55th minute to leave Germans bewildered.
In the second match, Germany was a dominating side but had to wait for 35 minutes to break the deadlock. Mats Grambush converted a penalty corner to give his side the lead (1-0) Five minutes later Christopher Ruhr made it 2-0 with a super solo effort.
The defending Champions Belgium arrived in Odisha for the FIH Odisha Hockey Men's World Cup 2023 Bhubaneswar-Rourkela on Friday, hoping to retain the title they won at the Kalinga Stadium four years ago.
Francophone West Africa has for several years been beset by an Islamist insurgency that nations such as Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso have failed to repel, despite international assistance.
