Heartbreak in Hobart! India’s hockey heroes battled valiantly but bowed out 3-4 in shootouts to a resilient Spain in the FIH Men’s Pro League 2025-26, after regular play ended 1-1 on February 25.
Leading 1-0 via Maninder Singh’s brilliance until late, a 59th-minute lapse allowed Bruno Font to force extra drama. Shootout stumbles from Abhishek and Hardik sealed a tough one-point haul.
Spain’s aggressive start included an early penalty corner repelled by Mohit. Basterra’s goal chalked off kept parity. India’s 14th-minute set-piece was saved by Calzado.
The game’s defining moment: Hardik’s visionary pass to Maninder for a tomahawk rocket at 19 minutes. Karkera’s double saves on Kunil and Basterra preserved the lead into halftime, despite Abhishek’s near-miss.
Third quarter intensity ramped up with Spain’s penalty corners, all mastered by Mohit. Fortuno’s green card gave India numerical edge; Jugraj’s strike narrowly saved.
Sanjay’s caution evened it out. Karkera remained a wall, thwarting attacks. Vishnu’s 52nd-minute corner went unconverted by Rohidas.
As India managed the clock, Font pounced on defensive hesitation for 1-1. Spain’s frantic final corners failed against India’s grit.
Shootout fate turned sour with crucial misses, gifting Spain victory. This hard-fought draw-point keeps India in contention, with Australia awaiting on Wednesday in Hobart.