Belgium’s Red Lions men’s hockey team qualify for Olympic final

Belgium is getting ready to roar after national men’s hockey side the Red Lions beat India during the night to secure a place in the final of the Olympic men's hockey tournament in Tokyo.

After trailing 1-2 in the first quarter of the semi-final, the Red Lions remained calm and drew on their experience and fitness to win 5-2, guaranteeing the team either a gold or silver medal.

The final is due to be played on Thursday at 12.00 against either Germany or Australia.

Coached by New Zealander Shane McLeod, the Red Lions will surely be looking to improve on the silver medal they won in Rio in 2016, when they lost to Argentina 2-4.

Whatever the result, the team’s exploits will take Belgium’s medal tally to four.

Photo: Victor Wegnez and Florent van Aubel celebrate after winning Belgium’s semi-final hockey match against India in Tokyo Olympics © Belga/Rob Walbers