The Indian men’s hockey team began their Hobart leg campaign in the FIH Men’s Pro League 2025–26 with a 0–2 defeat against Spain, as the European side capitalised on key moments to secure all three points at the Tasmania Hockey Centre on Saturday.
Goals from Ignacio Abajo in the first quarter and Ignacio Cobos in the third proved decisive in what was otherwise a tightly contested fixture.
India started the match with intent, focusing on quick ball circulation and structured build-up play through midfield in an effort to dictate early tempo. However, Spain’s compact defensive shape and counter-attacking approach posed immediate challenges. The breakthrough came as early as the sixth minute, when Ignacio Abajo deflected the ball into the net following a swift Spanish move into the Indian circle, handing Spain an early advantage.
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Despite the setback, India maintained composure and continued to probe Spain’s defensive lines with patient passing sequences. The team created multiple circle entries as the first quarter progressed, and came close to drawing level when forward Abhishek unleashed a powerful strike on goal. Spanish goalkeeper Luis Calzado, however, reacted sharply to deny the effort and preserve his side’s lead heading into the second period.
The second quarter saw both sides adopt a more aggressive approach in attack, resulting in a series of end-to-end exchanges. Spain earned their second penalty corner of the match in the 24th minute, but Indian goalkeeper Suraj Karkera produced a crucial save to prevent the deficit from widening. India responded with quick transitions of their own, managing to penetrate the Spanish circle on a few occasions, though the final pass or shot on goal eluded them.
As the half drew to a close, Spain increased their attacking intensity with sustained pressure inside the Indian defensive third. The Indian backline, however, remained organised and disciplined to repel these advances, while also attempting to initiate counter-attacks through the flanks. With neither side able to find another goal before the break, Spain carried a slender 1–0 lead into halftime.
Spain resumed the second half with renewed urgency and tested the Indian defence early on. Karkera once again came to India’s rescue with a sharp save as Spain looked to double their advantage. The pressure eventually told in the 36th minute, when Ignacio Cobos found himself unmarked inside the circle and struck from close range to make it 2–0.
Following the second goal, Spain continued to press high and earned a string of penalty corners towards the latter part of the third quarter. India’s defence, however, showed resilience under pressure, successfully defending multiple set-piece situations to prevent further damage before the end of the period.
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India entered the final quarter seeking a route back into the contest and began on the front foot, spending extended periods inside Spain’s defensive circle. Their efforts resulted in their first penalty corner of the match, though the opportunity went unconverted. At the other end, goalkeeper Mohith Honnenahalli Shashikumar produced an important one-on-one save to keep India within reach.
With four minutes remaining on the clock, India opted to withdraw their goalkeeper in favour of an additional outfield player in a final attempt to break through Spain’s defence. The tactical change increased attacking pressure in the closing moments, but Spain’s defensive structure held firm to see out the remainder of the match.
The result marks a challenging start for India in the Hobart leg, with the team now set to face hosts Australia in their next fixture on February 22 as they look to register their first points of this leg of the Pro League.
