Hockey | India's tour of Europe | India start their campaign with a 1-0 loss to Belgium

A young Indian side consisting of six uncapped players and a new captain for the tour in Manpreet Singh did not start their 15-day European exposure tour on the desired note as they lost their first encounter by a single goal.

The match started with a see-saw battle for possession and with both sides lacking clinical finishing the first quarter ended with the scoreboard at 0-0. The same story was repeated in the second quarter as well, as both sides failed to break down each other's defence. 

With both the sides adopting a similar style of play in the third quarter as well the match seemed to be heading for a draw. But a lapse of concentration from the Indian defence resulted in Tom Boon scoring a goal in the 60th minute for Belgium and that eventually proved to be the difference- maker between the two sides.

India next plays Belgium once again on Thursday but sadly for the Indian fans, the tour of Europe will not be telecast in India.