FIH Pro League 2025-26: India fall in Shootout against Australia in Hobart after Four-Goal Thriller

Australia clinched a dramatic 5-4 penalty shootout victory over India's men's hockey team at Tasmania Hockey Centre on Sunday, after a gripping 2-2 draw in regulation time. Amit Rohidas fired India ahead (15'), with Jugraj Singh doubling up via dragflick (43'), only for Joel Rintala to strike twice for the hosts (47', 56') from set pieces.

The Kookaburras bossed early possession, carving through India's half with slick passing. The visitors dug deep defensively, building momentum and troubling Jed Snowden in goal before Rohidas' first-quarter rocket opened scoring.

End-to-end second-quarter battles saw Australia rack up 10 circle entries against India's nine counter threats, but the Indian backline preserved their edge at the break.

Australia ramped up pressure post-halftime, yet India's rearguard held firm until Jugraj's thunderous strike extended the cushion.

Rintala halved the deficit from a penalty corner early in the final frame (47'). Yashdeep Siwach's desperate goalmouth clearance repelled the next threat, but Rintala leveled late (56').

Hosts pushed for a decider, denied repeatedly by Mohith's goalkeeping heroics-including a miraculous double save-that forced extra time.

Both teams aced their opening four shootout strokes before Snowden thwarted Aditya Arjun Lalage's clincher, sealing Australia's triumph.

India rebounds versus Spain in FIH Pro League Hobart action on Tuesday, February 24.