~ Australia came from behind thanks to a brace from Joel Rintala after Amit Rohidas and Jugraj Singh had given India the lead ~
Hobart, February 22, 2026: The Indian men’s hockey team suffered a narrow 4-5 penalty shootout defeat to hosts Australia at the Tasmania Hockey Center on Sunday. The two sides were level at 2-2 after full time, with Amit Rohidas (15′) and Jugraj Singh (43′) putting India ahead before a brace from Joel Rintala (47′, 56′) helped Australia get back on level terms.
The home side had the lion’s share of possession in the opening stages, pushing India back into their own half as they stringed together some neat passes. It was a spirited effort from the visitors, however, as they remained solid at the back and grew into the match to build some pressure on Australia, forcing Jed Snowden into action on a few occasions. India were rewarded with a penalty corner late in the first quarter and made the most of it when Amit Rohidas (15′) converted his drag flick to give them a 1-0 lead.
The second quarter saw a lot of action, with both teams creating chances. Australia had ten circle penetrations and a couple of penalty corners in the first half as they looked for a way back into the match, while India had nine circle penetrations, causing problems on the counter-attack. The visitors held firm at the back to maintain their one-goal lead at half-time.
Australia continued to dominate possession after the restart and showed attacking intent to try and get back on level terms. However, the Indian defensive line remained resolute at the back, keeping the home side at bay and failing to create clear-cut chances. Their discipline was finally rewarded at the other end of the pitch when Jugraj Singh (43′) converted a powerful drag flick from a penalty corner to double India’s lead to end the third quarter.
The home team managed to reduce the deficit early in the fourth quarter, with Joel Rintala (47′) scoring from a penalty corner. With the momentum on their side, Australia earned another penalty corner as they remained persistent in their pursuit of an equalizer. However, they were denied by Yashdeep Siwach’s crucial block on the line. With time running out, Australia finally found the equalizer from a set piece when Joel Rintala (56′) scored his second goal of the evening from a penalty corner.
Australia were relentless in their search for the winning goal and had a number of chances to win the match. Mohith, however, was exceptional in his goal scoring and pulled off a number of brilliant saves – including a sensational double save – to ensure India stayed in the match. With the two teams tied at 2-2 after full time, the match went into a shootout to determine the winner.
It was an intense shootout with both teams converting their first four penalties and finishing their chances expertly. However, Aditya Arjun Lalage was denied by Jed Snowden in the final penalty, giving Australia a hard-fought victory in this enthralling encounter.
India will next take on Spain in their third match of the Hobart leg of the FIH Men’s Pro League 2025-26 on Tuesday, February 24.
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.