India’s men’s hockey team scored a 3-1 win against Australia in a shoot-out to win their last match of the Hobart leg of FIH Pro League in Australia. Regulation time 1-all
It must have been an extremely satisfying day in office for Indian men’s hockey stand-in skipper Hardik Singh on Wednesday. India scored a 3-1 win against Australia via shootout after both the teams were locked 1-1 in the regulation time.
After barren three quarters, the fourth and last quarter reached climax. Australia was the first to score but the lead was short lived as India bounced back to level and stay in the race to earn bonus point.
Learning lessons
India have lost seven matches on trot in the FIH Pro League. The Indian men’s hockey team played four matches during the Hobart leg — two against Spain and two against the home team. Of the four matches, the Indian team won the last match.
Overall the Hobart leg might be a learning experience for young and seasoned players in the team. Even chief national men’s hockey coach Craig Fulton must have observed who will fit into his scheme for the Asian Games scheduled to be held later this year in Japan.
Focus on Asian Games
Earlier this month, Fulton made it crystal clear during the Rourkela leg of FIH Pro League held in Odisha that his main focus in 2026 is to compete at the FIH World Cup in Europe and ri win title at the Asian Games in Japan. The winner of men’s hockey gold in Japan will automatically earn a spot for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
Nursing an injury
It was a good decision on part of Fulton and Hockey India to give break to regular Indian skipper Harmanpreet Singh whose form had dipped due to a niggle. Harmanpreet was visibly sluggish during the Rourkela leg of FIH Pro League in Odisha.
International tour
The Indian team will compete in a couple of international competitions to further polish their skills, a part of the build up programme for the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games starting September 19 in Japan. The national men’s hockey squad for the Asian Games will be announced sometime in May/June, it is learnt.
FIH Pro League table
After eight FIH Pro League matches, Belgium is at the top of the table with 22 points. Australia with 21 points is placed second and Argentina third with 17 points. The two Asian hockey playing nations—India and Pakistan— are placed eighth and ninth, in that order. India has four points in their account while Pakistan is yet to open their account and is placed at the bottom of the prestigious FIH Pro League table consisting of nine top hockey playing countries.
EOM
