India suffered a heartbreaking defeat against co-hosts Belgium in a fiercely contested Hockey World Cup classification encounter, ultimately bowing out in a dramatic penalty shootout.

Led by skipper Harmanpreet Singh, the Indian squad displayed relentless determination, matching the European powerhouses throughout regulation time. However, missed opportunities during the decisive shootout sealed their fate.

The narrow defeat leaves India in eighth place overall, concluding a campaign marked by commendable fighting spirit but unfulfilled podium aspirations.