New Delhi: The India men’s national field hockey team snapped a prolonged losing run in the FIH Pro League with a morale boosting victory over world number three Australia men’s national field hockey team, prevailing 3-1 in a shoot-out after regulation time ended 1-1 in Hobart on Wednesday. The result marked India’s first win of the Hobart leg and provided a timely lift after a difficult start to the season.
The contest was tightly contested through the opening three quarters, with both sides cancelling each other out in midfield and defence. Australia controlled possession for long periods, but India remained compact and dangerous on the counter. Goalkeeper Mohith Shashikumar Honnenahalli made several early saves to keep the scores level, while India created chances through quick transitions and penalty corners that went unconverted.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the fourth quarter when Australian captain Jeremy Hayward converted a penalty corner in the 49th minute. India responded almost immediately. A swift move initiated by Hardik Singh released Abhishek down the right, whose precise pass found Poovanna Chandura Boby. He squared the ball perfectly for Shilanand Lakra, who calmly finished a field goal in the 51st minute to restore parity.
Both teams pushed hard for a winner in the closing stages, trading penalty corners and half chances, but defences held firm. The match was decided in a shoot-out, where India showed composure and clarity. Lakra, Maninder Singh, and Vishnukant Singh all converted their attempts, while Mohith produced three saves to deny the hosts and seal the bonus point. Hayward scored Australia’s only shoot-out goal.
The win came after a challenging run that included defeats in the Rourkela leg and narrow shoot-out losses earlier in Hobart. India remain eighth in the nine team standings with four points from eight matches, but the result restores confidence ahead of the Rotterdam leg. India next face the Netherlands and Germany, beginning with a match against the hosts on June 21, aiming to build momentum from a hard earned breakthrough victory.
