Skipper Hardik Singh: India went down fighting 3-4 in a shootout against Spain following a tense 1-1 draw in regulation time during the Hobart leg of the FIH Men’s Pro League 2025-26. Despite holding a 1-0 advantage until the 59th minute, courtesy of a brilliant strike from Maninder Singh, a late equaliser from Spain's Bruno Font forced the shootout.
Spain started strongly, controlling early possession and testing the Indian defence. They won their first penalty corner in the 4th minute, but the drag-flick was comfortably saved by Indian goalkeeper Mohith. Spain thought they had taken the lead in the 8th minute, but Jose Basterra's goal was disallowed. Shrugging off the pressure, India earned a penalty corner in the 14th minute, but Amit Rohidas’s drag-flick was denied by Spanish goalkeeper Luis Calzado, keeping the first quarter goalless.
The breakthrough arrived in the 19th minute. Skipper Hardik Singh dispossessed a Spanish player, turned brilliantly, and set up Maninder, who smashed a tomahawk into the net to give India a 1-0 lead. Spain immediately responded by winning a penalty corner, but Pepe Cunill’s shot was saved by Suraj Karkera. Karkera pulled off another stunning save moments later to deny Basterra. India’s Abhishek also came close after a superb dribble, but India held their slender 1-0 lead at halftime.
