_~ Australia came from behind courtesy a brace from Joel Rintala after
Amit Rohidas and Jugraj Singh gave India the lead ~_
Hobart, 22nd February 2026: The Indian Men’s Hockey Team suffered a
narrow 4-5 penalty shootout loss against hosts Australia at the Tasmania
Hockey Centre on Sunday. The two sides were tied at 2-2 after full time
with Amit Rohidas (15’) and Jugraj Singh (43’) putting India in
front before a brace from Joel Rintala (47’, 56’) helped Australia
get back on level terms.
The hosts had the lion’s share of possession in the opening
exchanges, pushing India back in their own half as they strung some neat
passes together. However, it was a spirited effort from the visitors as
they stayed solid at the back and grew into the game to pile some
pressure back on Australia, forcing Jed Snowden into action on a couple
of occasions. India were rewarded with a penalty corner late in the
first quarter, and made the most of it as Amit Rohidas (15’) converted
his dragflick to give them a 1-0 lead.
The second quarter produced end-to-end action, with both teams creating
chances. Australia had 10 circle penetrations and a couple of penalty
corners in the first half as they looked for a way back into the game,
while India had 9 circle penetrations, causing problems on the counter
attack. The visitors stood firm at the back, ensuring they held onto
their one-goal advantage at half time.
Australia continued to dominate possession after the restart, showing
attacking intent to try and get back on level terms. The Indian
defensive line remained resolute at the back though, keeping the hosts
at bay and preventing them from creating any clear cut opportunities.
Their discipline was eventually rewarded on the other end of the field
as Jugraj Singh (43’) converted a powerful dragflick from a penalty
corner to double India’s lead to close out the third quarter.
The hosts managed to reduce the deficit early in the fourth quarter,
with Joel Rintala (47’) scoring from a penalty corner. With momentum
on their side, Australia earned another penalty corner as they remained
persistent in their pursuit for an equaliser. However, they were denied
by Yashdeep Siwach’s crucial block on the line. With time running out,
Australia eventually found the leveller from a set-piece as Joel Rintala
(56’) netted his second goal of the night from a penalty corner.
Australia were relentless in the search of a winning goal and had a
couple of opportunities to clinch the game. However, Mohith was
exceptional in goal, pulling off some brilliant saves – including a
sensational double save – to ensure India stay in the game. With the two
teams tied at 2-2 after full time, the game went into a shootout to
decide the winner.
It was an intense shootout with both teams converting their first four
penalties, finishing their chances expertly. However, Aditya Arjun
Lalage was denied by Jed Snowden in the final penalty, giving Australia
a hard-fought win in this enthralling encounter.
India will next take on Spain in their third game of the Hobart leg of
the FIH Men’s Pro League 2025-26 on Tuesday i.e. 24th February.
