The India men’s national field hockey team finally broke its prolonged losing streak in the FIH Pro League with a gritty 3-1 shoot-out win over world No. 3 Australia men’s national field hockey team in Hobart on Wednesday.
After three tightly contested quarters ended goalless, the drama unfolded in the final period. Australia struck first in the 49th minute when captain Jeremy Hayward converted a penalty corner. But India responded swiftly. Just two minutes later, Shilanand Lakra calmly finished a well-worked field move in the 51st minute to restore parity.
With neither side able to find a winner in regulation time, the match headed into a shoot-out. Lakra, Maninder Singh and Vishnukant Singh converted their chances for India, while Hayward was the lone scorer for Australia. Goalkeeper Mohith Shashikumar Honnenahalli emerged as the hero, denying the hosts three times to seal the bonus point. India collected two points from the win, while Australia took one.
The opening half was marked by intense midfield battles. Australia controlled possession, but India’s defense held firm, with Mohith making crucial early saves. India’s first penalty corner in the 11th minute was thwarted, and Abhishek narrowly missed from open play soon after.
The second and third quarters followed a similar script. India created chances through Abhishek and Manmeet Singh, while Suraj Karkera produced a fine stick save to deny Australia from a penalty corner. The hosts earned consecutive corners late in the third quarter, but Joel Rintala struck the post, and Mohith’s sharp reflexes kept India in the contest.
The decisive equaliser came from a slick move initiated by Hardik Singh, who fed Abhishek on the right. A precise pass to Poovanna Chandura Boby set up Lakra, who made no mistake in front of goal.
The victory comes after a disappointing Rourkela leg, where India lost all four matches, and a tough start in Hobart that included defeats to Spain and Australia. Currently eighth in the nine-team standings with four points from eight games, the Hardik-led side will hope this win sparks a turnaround.
India next travel to Rotterdam to face the Netherlands on June 21, followed by a clash against Germany, as they seek to climb the Pro League table.
