India Hits Rock Bottom: 7th Straight Loss Marks Darkest Phase in Pro League History

 India Hits Rock Bottom: 7th Straight Loss Marks Darkest Phase in Pro League History

It was another painful night for Indian hockey fans. The men's national team, once hopeful of a Pro League title and a direct ticket to the 2026 World Cup, is now reeling after a seventh consecutive defeat — this time a crushing 6-3 loss to Belgium in Antwerp on Saturday.

The mood in the Indian camp couldn’t be more grim. Coach Craig Fulton, usually calm and composed, couldn't hide his frustration during a live TV interview. His rare, unfiltered outburst — “We’re here to win, not to f***ing lose” — said everything about where this team is right now. He quickly apologised, but it was clear just how furious and frustrated he was.

At half-time, down 0-2, whatever Fulton told the players seemed to work — but only briefly. India came out swinging and clawed back to 2-2. For a few minutes, it felt like a turnaround was in the making. But then the familiar pattern returned. Belgium regained control, exploited the gaps India left while chasing the game, and ran away with it — scoring three goals in the final seven minutes.

A Record No Team Wants

This defeat marks the team’s worst-ever losing streak, beating their previous six-game slide at the 2012 London Olympics. But unlike 2012, when the team looked completely out of sorts, this version still shows glimpses of quality. Six of the seven losses were narrow one-goal defeats. Saturday’s game too, until the final moments, was neck and neck. But late collapses and basic errors are proving too costly.

A Horror Start

India’s sluggish starts have become a worrying pattern. This time, goalkeeper Suraj Karkera wasn’t even ready at kickoff — he was still sorting his gear behind the goal when Belgium launched a quick attack. Just 13 seconds in, India had conceded a penalty corner. The resulting drag-flick wasn’t handled properly by Karkera, and Belgium pounced to score their opener.

In fact, it took India more than 13 minutes just to enter Belgium’s circle. That’s how dominant the home side was early on.

A Flicker of Hope, Then a Collapse

India’s response after halftime was promising. Dilpreet Singh and Mandeep Singh struck in quick succession to level the score at 2-2. For a moment, it looked like India had finally found their rhythm. But once Belgium took back the lead in the 49th minute, India panicked. Chasing an equaliser, they left their defence wide open — and Belgium punished them ruthlessly.

The match ended 6-3, with India once again collapsing under pressure in the dying minutes.

Lucky to Avoid Relegation

India can at least breathe a small sigh of relief — Ireland’s worse form means India won’t be relegated from the top tier. But that’s hardly a consolation. This was a team that not long ago won an Olympic bronze and looked like world-beaters. Now, they can’t seem to buy a win.

Fulton and the coaching staff won’t hit the panic button just yet. But this losing streak — with its mix of slow starts, poor finishes, and fragile confidence — has exposed some deep cracks. And unless something changes fast, the road ahead could get even tougher.