LAHORE: World’s second-ranked Belgium thrashed Pakistan 7-1 in their opening match of the FIH Pro Hockey League third leg at the Belfius Hockey Arena in Wavre on Saturday.

While Belgium, the current table toppers of the Pro League, completely dominated the game, Pakistan’s lone goal came through Rana Waheed Ashraf who levelled the score 1-1 in the 33rd minute.

However, the hosts then demonstrated their class and dominance, scoring six unanswered goals to register a comprehensive victory and strengthen their grip on the top position in the nine-team Pro League.

Belgium took an early lead when Onana Nelson scored in the third minute. Thibeau Stockbroekx restored Belgium’s advantage in the 38th minute to make it 2-1 while Alexander Hendrickx extended the lead to 3-1 in the 42nd minute.

Tobias Biekens added the fourth goal in the 50th minute before Guillaume Hellin struck a minute later to put Belgium 5-1 ahead.

Biekens scored his second goal of the match in the 55th minute, and Tom Boon completed the rout with Belgium’s seventh goal shortly afterwards.

Pakistan remain rooted to the bottom of the standings in ninth place while their arch-rivals India are eighth.

Pakistan take on Spain in their next league fixture at the same venue on Sunday.

Published in Dawn, June 14th, 2026