In a nail-biting finish at the Tasmania Hockey Centre in Hobart, the Indian men’s hockey team fell short against hosts Australia in the FIH Men’s Pro League 2025-26 Hobart leg. The match, played on Sunday, February 22, ended 2-2 after regulation time, leading to a dramatic penalty shootout where Australia triumphed 5-4.
India struck first in the opening quarter. Captain Amit Rohidas unleashed a powerful drag flick from a penalty corner in the 15th minute, giving his side a 1-0 lead. Australia dominated possession early but couldn’t breach India’s solid defense, marshaled brilliantly by goalkeeper Mohit, who made several crucial saves.
The second quarter saw Australia earn penalty corners of their own, but India’s defenders stood firm, denying them any clear chances. The score remained unchanged at halftime, with India holding the slender advantage.
Post-interval, Australia ramped up the pressure. Jugraj Singh doubled India’s lead in the 43rd minute with another stunning drag flick from a penalty corner, capping a strong third quarter. But the hosts fought back relentlessly. Joel Rintala pulled one back in the 47th minute via penalty corner, and then leveled the scores in the 56th minute with his second goal of the match from a similar set-piece.
As the clock ticked down, Australia pushed for a winner, but Mohit’s heroics, including a remarkable double save, kept India in contention. With the match deadlocked, it went to shootout.
Both teams converted their first four penalties flawlessly. Tension peaked in the decider, where Australia’s J. Snowden denied Aditya Arjun Lalage, securing a 5-4 victory for the hosts. Despite the loss, India’s resilience shone through in this high-stakes encounter.
India now prepares for their next challenge against Spain on Tuesday, aiming to bounce back in the league.