~ Captain Hardik Singh will lead a youthful and motivated side against Spain and host Australia from February 20 to 25 ~
New Delhi, February 20, 2026: The Indian men’s hockey team is ready for a fresh start as they shift focus to the Hobart leg of the FIH Men’s Pro League 2025-2026, scheduled from February 20 to 25 at the Tasmania Hockey Center in Australia. Eager to bounce back and perform better, India will take on Spain and hosts Australia in what promises to be a highly competitive block of matches.
Although the recent Rourkela stage proved to be a steep learning curve, the team has regrouped with a positive attitude. They view the upcoming matches as a crucial opportunity to test combinations, refine their structure and build momentum ahead of the upcoming FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup and the Asian Games. The 24-strong team is a dynamic mix of seasoned campaigners and exciting young talent, ready to make their mark on the international stage.
India will start their Hobart campaign against Spain on February 21, followed by a thrilling showdown against Australia on February 22. They face Spain again on February 24 before concluding the Hobart leg with a final match against the formidable Australian team on February 25.
Recent history suggests an exciting series of matches awaits. India and Spain have been incredibly evenly matched in their last ten meetings, claiming four regular-season wins each, in addition to two draws that India later won in shootouts. Against Australia, the high-scoring drama was a constant. While the hosts maintain the statistical lead in their last ten meetings with six wins to India’s two (and two draws), an energetic Indian side will be keen to flip the script on Australian soil.
Two-time Olympic bronze medalist Hardik Singh has been named captain of the Australian leg of the Pro League in the absence of Harmanpreet Singh. The squad is also welcoming an influx of youngsters, with the likes of Amandeep Lakra and Manmeet Singh looking to build on their recent senior debuts, alongside emerging stars like Angad Bir Singh, Araijeet Singh Hundal and Aditya Arjun Lalage, keen to prove their qualities in the forward line.
Speaking ahead of the crucial Hobart leg, Hardik Singh said: “It is a huge honor to lead the national team in a prestigious tournament like the Pro League. While we will certainly miss Harmanpreet’s presence on the field, his absence provides a valuable opportunity for the rest of the group to step up and take charge. As a team, we have reviewed our recent matches, learned our lessons and enter Hobart with a very positive and aggressive attitude.”
Sharing his thoughts on the young additions to the squad, Hardik added, “I am incredibly excited about the new faces joining us on this tour. Youngsters bring very fresh, fearless energy to our attacking line-up. They have worked exceptionally hard to earn their place, and playing against top teams like Australia and Spain is the perfect platform for them to express themselves. The entire group is motivated to support them, execute our plans and play the brand of hockey that India is known for.”
With renewed focus and a point to prove, the Indian team will look to make a confident statement at the Tasmania Hockey Center and build a strong foundation for major tournaments later this year.
All India matches of the FIH Men’s Pro League 2025-26 Hobart leg will be telecast on Star Sports Select 2 SD+HD and JioHotstar.