New Delhi, 10 February (H.S.): The Indian men's hockey team launches its FIH Pro League 2025-26 campaign on home turf at Rourkela's Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium from February 10-15, 2026, confronting elite foes Belgium and Argentina in matches poised to ignite fervent anticipation.

Seasoned-Youth Blend Eyes Home Triumph After Modest Prior Finish

Finishing eighth last season, India seeks an ascendant start before roaring home crowds, leveraging familiar environs and a harmonious fusion of veterans and rookies—though world No. 1 Belgium and Olympic champions Argentina present formidable hurdles.

Argentina (11 points from three regulation wins, one shootout victory over four games) holds second; Belgium (10 points: three regulation triumphs, one shootout loss) sits third—both ahead of India's bow.

Schedule (7:30 p.m. IST): India vs Belgium (February 11, 14); vs Argentina (February 12, 15).

Head-to-Head Edge vs Argentina, Belgian Dominance

Post-2013:

India trails Belgium 11-22 (2 draws from 35 clashes) but leads Argentina 10-7 (2 draws from 19). Captain Harmanpreet Singh hailed inclusions like Amandeep Lakra, Manmeet Singh, and Rosan Kujur—Hero Hockey India League standouts—affirming: The team is fully fit, motivated, and excited.

Belgium's Arthur van Doren credited early acclimatization via the domestic league. Buoyed by impassioned supporters, India aims to propel its title defense aspirations from Rourkela's cauldron.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar