Bhubaneswar: 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 10th to 15th February 2026 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.
After finishing eighth in the previous edition, India will aim to begin the new campaign on a strong note and build early winning momentum in front of the home crowd. The squad, featuring a balanced mix of experienced internationals and emerging young talent, will look to capitalise on familiar conditions as they take on two of the world’s top-ranked teams.
While India is yet to open their campaign, both Argentina and Belgium arrive in Rourkela after a solid start to the season. Argentina currently sit second in the standings with 11 points, having played four matches, in which they recorded three regulation-time wins and one shootout victory. Belgium, meanwhile, are placed third with 10 points, also from four matches, having secured three regulation-time wins and one shootout defeat.
India will begin their campaign against Belgium on 11th February, followed by a clash against Argentina on 12th February. The hosts will once again face Belgium on 14th February before concluding the leg against Argentina on 15th February, with all matches scheduled to start at 1930 hrs IST.
Historically, Belgium have enjoyed the upper hand in head-to-head encounters against India in recent years. Since 2013, the two sides have met 35 times, with Belgium winning 22 matches, India winning 11, and two matches ending in draws. Against Argentina, however, India hold a stronger record, winning 10 of their 19 meetings since 2013, compared to Argentina’s seven wins, with two draws.
