Hobart, February 22 – The Indian Men’s Hockey Team narrowly lost 4-5 in a penalty shootout against the host, Australia, in the second game of the Hobart leg of the FIH Men’s Pro League 2025-26, which took place at the Tasmania Hockey Centre on Sunday.
The match ended in a 2-2 draw after regulation time, with Amit Rohidas scoring in the 15th minute and Jugraj Singh in the 43rd minute for India. However, Joel Rintala scored twice in the 47th and 56th minutes to level the score for Australia.
The hosts dominated possession early on, moving the ball effectively in their own half. Despite this, India responded with strong defense and gradually gained confidence, putting pressure on Australia and forcing Jed Snowden to intervene twice. In the late stages of the first quarter, India earned a penalty corner, and Amit Rohidas successfully converted it in the 15th minute, giving them a 1-0 lead.
The second quarter saw continuous play, with both teams creating scoring opportunities. Australia had 10 circle entries and earned a few penalty corners in the first half while trying to regain the lead. Meanwhile, India had 9 circle entries and posed challenges during counter-attacks. The visitors maintained a strong defense, maintaining their one-goal lead at halftime.
Australia retained possession after the restart, pushing forward to level the score. However, India’s defense remained strong, preventing them from creating real scoring chances. Their disciplined play paid off when Jugraj Singh scored a powerful drag flick from a penalty corner in the 43rd minute, doubling India’s advantage and ending the third quarter on a high note.
Early in the fourth quarter, the hosts closed the gap when Joel Rintala (47th minute) scored from a penalty corner. Maintaining their momentum, Australia earned another penalty corner, continuing their pursuit of an equaliser. However, Yashdeep Siwach made a crucial save to thwart their efforts. As time ran out, Australia finally equalized through a set-piece, with Joel Rintala (56th minute) scoring his second goal of the match from a penalty corner.
Australia relentlessly pursued a winning goal and had several chances to secure victory. However, Mohith was outstanding in goal, making several excellent saves, including a remarkable double save, that kept India in the game. With the match tied at 2-2 after regulation time, it went to a shootout to determine the winner.
The shootout was intense, with both teams scoring on their first four attempts. However, Aditya Arjun Lalage’s final penalty was saved by Jed Snowden, securing a hard-fought victory for Australia.
India will next face Spain in their third game of the Hobart leg of the FIH Men’s Pro League 2025-26 on Tuesday.
