A resilient display from the India men’s national field hockey team ended in heartbreak as the visitors went down 4-5 in a penalty shootout to Australia men’s national field hockey team in their FIH Pro League 2025–26 clash on Sunday.
The contest at the Tasmania Hockey Centre had finished 2-2 in regulation time, forcing a shootout to determine the winner. Despite the defeat, India secured its first point of the campaign after five consecutive losses.
India struck first, capitalising on a late first-quarter penalty corner. Amit Rohidas stepped up and fired home a precise dragflick in the 15th minute to give the visitors an early advantage.
Australia controlled possession for large spells but struggled to break through a disciplined Indian defence. The resistance paid off again in the third quarter when another penalty corner presented India with an opportunity. Jugraj Singh made no mistake, unleashing a powerful dragflick in the 43rd minute to double the lead and put pressure on the hosts.
The momentum shifted swiftly in the final quarter. Joel Rintala ignited Australia’s comeback, converting from a penalty corner in the 47th minute to cut the deficit. Buoyed by the goal, the hosts intensified their attack and found the equaliser with just four minutes remaining, Rintala once again scoring from a set-piece to level the scores at 2-2.
With neither side able to find a winner in regulation time, the match moved to a shootout. Both teams displayed composure, converting their first four attempts. The decisive moment arrived when Aditya Arjun Lalage was denied by Australian goalkeeper Jed Snowden, sealing a narrow victory for the hosts.
While the loss will sting, India can take encouragement from a performance that showcased defensive solidity and clinical execution from penalty corners. The solitary point earned opens their account in the tournament and offers a platform to build upon.
India will next take on Spain men’s national field hockey team on February 24 in their third fixture of the Hobart leg, hoping to convert promise into a full three points.
