India's Hockey Team Breaks Losing Streak with Victory Over Australia

India Triumphs Over Australia in FIH Pro League

In a thrilling encounter, the Indian men's hockey team ended its lengthy losing streak in the FIH Pro League by defeating world No. 3 Australia 3-1 in a shoot-out after a 1-1 tie at the end of regulation time on Wednesday.

The match was tightly contested, with both teams unable to score in the first three quarters. However, this victory in their final game of the Hobart leg is expected to boost the confidence of the Indian squad.

Australia initially took the lead in the 49th minute with a penalty corner goal from Jeremy Hayward. Yet, the Indian team quickly responded, with Shilanand Lakra equalizing just two minutes later with a well-executed field goal.

Despite both teams pushing for a decisive goal, the match proceeded to a shoot-out, where India secured the win, earning two points while Australia received one.

During the shoot-out, Lakra, Maninder Singh, and Vishnukant Singh scored for India, while Hayward netted the only goal for Australia. Indian goalkeeper Mohith Shashikumar Honnenahalli made three crucial saves, ensuring India's victory.

The first quarter saw a fierce battle, with Australia controlling possession while India showcased strong defensive skills and effective counter-attacks.

Mohith made several key saves early in the match, keeping India in contention. India earned their first penalty corner in the 11th minute, but Amandeep Lakra's drag-flick was thwarted by the Australian defense.

Shortly after, India had another opportunity from the left side, but Abhishek's attempt went just wide of the goal.

The second quarter also ended without goals, with both teams struggling to find the back of the net. In the 16th minute, Abhishek managed to pass to Manmeet Singh, but his shot was saved by the Australian keeper.

Australia was awarded a penalty corner in the 25th minute, but Suraj Karkera made an impressive save to deny them.

India's second penalty corner came in the 38th minute, but Araijeet Singh Hundal's shot was easily handled by the Australian goalkeeper.

Australia had two penalty corners in quick succession during the 42nd and 45th minutes, but Mohith's stellar performance continued as he saved both attempts.

The final quarter saw Australia score first with a penalty corner goal from captain Hayward in the 49th minute.

India quickly equalized in the 51st minute, with Hardik Singh initiating a swift attack that ended with Lakra scoring a field goal.

With renewed energy, India pressed forward, earning multiple penalty corners and creating several chances, but the match remained tied, leading to the shoot-out.

After a disappointing start in the Rourkela leg, where India lost all four matches, they had a rocky beginning in Hobart, losing 0-2 to Spain and narrowly falling 4-5 to Australia in a previous shoot-out.

Currently, India sits eighth in the nine-team competition, with only four points from eight matches. Their next challenge will be against the Netherlands and Germany in the Rotterdam leg, starting with a match against the Netherlands on June 21.