Indian Men Hockey Team shoot-out Australia 4-3 in sudden-death in their eighth match of the FIH Hockey Pro League at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela today. The high-voltage match went to the shootout state after play in regulation time ended in 2-2 draw.

With this win, India retained their place at the top of the league table with 19 points from eight games. While Vivek Sagar Prasad and Sukhjeet Siningh scored in regulation time, while Harmanpreet Singh, Sukhjeet Singh and Dilpreet Singh scored in the shootout to ensure a 2-2 (4-3 SO) win ensuring the home team ended their campaign at home in style.

Playing his 100th match for India today, Vivek made it memorable for his team by scoring the first goal gainst the dominant Australian squad.  However, India captain Harmanpreet Singh was awarded player of the match.

Earlier in their campaign, India had registered successive wins against reigning World Champions Germany 3-2 and 6-3; and 5-4 against World No 4 Australia (5-4). They had begun this season of the prestigious league with a 4-3 and 7-4 win against New Zealand followed by a 2-3 loss and 2-2 (3-1 SO) win against Spain in the home games played in October-November last year.

India will resume their FIH Hockey Pro League campaign in May 2023 when they travel to Europe to take on Belgium, Great Britain, Netherlands and Argentina.

RESULTS: India (Vivek Sagar Prasad 1-PC, Sukhjeet Singh 46-FG) drew with Austalia (Nathan Ephraums 36-PS, 51-PC) 2-2. Shootout: India (Harmanpree Singh, Dilpreet Singh, Sukhjeet Singh, Harmanpree Singh) beat Australia (Jack Welch, Craig Marais, Jake Harvie) 4-3. PoM: Harmanpree Singh.
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PHOTO: India player Vivek Sagar Prasad in action during his 100th match for India in Rourkela on 15 March 2023.