Australia’s Tom Craig (centre) is congratulated after scoring the winning goal during the FIH Hockey Pro League game between Australia and India at the Wilrijkse Plein in Antwerp, Belgium, on June 14, 2025.
| Photo Credit: AP
There was no end to the Indian men’s hockey team’s woes in the FIH Pro League as the side slumped to its fifth straight defeat, losing 3-2 to Australia despite leading the contest by two goals after Abhishek’s brace, in Antwerp on Saturday (June 14, 2025).
The Indian team has already lost twice to Netherlands and Argentina in the tournament.
Over in London, the women’s team fought valiantly after conceding three goals against Australia but eventually lost 3-2.
In Antwerp, India took a 2-0 lead by the 35th minute through Abhishek’s (8th, 35th minutes) brace.
But the Kookaburras came out all attacking after the change of ends, scoring through Nathan Ephraums (42nd), and two penalty corner conversions by Joel Rintala (56th) and Tom Craig (60th) to secure the win.
The Indians were without skipper and ace dragflicker Harmanpreet Singh as he has been rested due to a injury suffered in the last match against Argentina.
In the women’s match Australia took a 3-0 lead through field goals from Courtney Schonell (16th minute), Lexie Pickering (26th) and penalty stroke conversion by Tatum Stewart (35th).
The Indians, however, mounted a comeback after the change of ends through two penalty corner goals from Deepika and Neha.
India enjoyed the early share of exchanges but failed to break the resolute Australian defence.
The results: Men: At Antwerp: Australia 3 (Nathan Ephraums 42, Joel Rintala 56, Tom Craig 60) bt India 2 (Abhishek 8, 35).
Women: At London: Australia 3 (Courtney Schonell 16, Lexie Pickering 26, Tatum Stewart 35) bt India 2 (Deepika 44, Neha 52).
Published – June 15, 2025 04:59 am IST
