India U18 hockey teams lose to Australia in second series match at Bhopal
Synopsis
A double blow for Indian junior hockey in Bhopal — both the U18 men's and women's teams lost to Australia on 17 May, with the women conceding four goals after leading early. With the third matches coming as early as Monday, India's young squads face an urgent test of character in a series that is already slipping away.
Key Takeaways
India U18 men lost 1-3 to Australia U18 on 17 May at the Udhav Das Mehta (Bhai Ji) Central SAI Centre, Bhopal .
India U18 women lost 1-4 to Australia in the second women's match of the series.
Australia now lead the men's four-match series after the opening game ended 2-2 .
Women's scorers for India across both matches include Diya , Kiran Ekka , and captain Sweety Kujur .
Third matches for both teams are scheduled for 18 May in Bhopal .
Both the India U18 men's and women's hockey teams suffered defeats against Australia U18 in their respective second series matches at the Udhav Das Mehta (Bhai Ji) Central SAI Centre in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, on Sunday, 17 May, making it a difficult day for the hosts on home turf.
Men's Match: Australia Win 3-1
In the men's encounter, Australia claimed a 3-1 victory, moving to a 1-0 lead in the four-match series after the opening game had ended in a 2-2 draw. Arjun Brian (16') opened the scoring for the visitors early in the second quarter, but India pulled level through Ashish Tani Purti (24'), who converted to restore parity.
Australia reasserted control in the third quarter, with Sam Peoples (39') and Angus Mcmullen (45') each adding a goal to seal the win and hand the visitors a series advantage.
Women's Match: Australia Dominate 4-1
Diya (11') gave India a bright start in the women's fixture, putting the hosts ahead in the first quarter. However, Australia mounted a commanding comeback — Anneliese Cullen (26'), Giselle Thompson (31'), Aurora Kovacevich (36'), and Stella Bartholomeusz (48') all found the net as the visitors completed a 4-1 win, their second straight victory of the tour.
Series Context and Earlier Results
The series had opened on Friday with contrasting fortunes. In the men's opener, India were held to a 2-2 draw, with Akash Deep (11') and Deepak Prakash Toppo (45') scoring for the hosts. Jett Johnstone (2') had given Australia an early lead, while Franky Baker (60') struck in the final minute to share the points.
The women's opening match was a 4-3 win for Australia in a closely fought contest. Aurora Kovacevich (21') gave the visitors the lead before Diya (22') equalised. India surged ahead through Kiran Ekka (42') and captain Sweety Kujur (48'), but late goals from Mia Klimpsch (54') and Stella Bartholomeusz (54', 55') overturned the deficit to hand Australia the win.
What's Next for India
The India U18 women's team returns to action in their third series match on Monday at the International Sports Complex, Nathu Barkheda in Bhopal. The India U18 men's team also faces Australia in their third match on 18 May at the Udhav Das Mehta (Bhai Ji) Central SAI Centre. Both sides will be looking for a response after back-to-back setbacks.
Point of View
India's U18 sides are showing a recurring vulnerability: conceding in clusters after holding their own in opening phases. The women's team led 1-0 and still conceded four — a pattern that also appeared in the series opener. For a development programme designed to feed the senior pipeline, these collapses under sustained pressure are the real takeaway, not the scorelines alone. Coaching staff will need to address game management in the final two matches, or Australia will leave Bhopal with a clean sweep.
NationPress
13 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the results of India U18 vs Australia U18 hockey on 17 May?
India U18 men lost 1-3 and India U18 women lost 1-4 to Australia U18 in their respective second series matches in Bhopal on 17 May. Both results gave Australia consecutive wins in the women's series and a lead in the men's series.
Who scored for India in the men's second match against Australia?
Ashish Tani Purti scored India's only goal in the 24th minute to briefly level the score at 1-1. Australia's Arjun Brian, Sam Peoples, and Angus Mcmullen scored the three Australian goals.
Who scored for India in the women's second match against Australia?
Diya scored India's lone goal in the 11th minute to give the hosts an early lead. Australia responded with four goals from Anneliese Cullen, Giselle Thompson, Aurora Kovacevich, and Stella Bartholomeusz to win 4-1.
Where are the India U18 vs Australia U18 hockey matches being played?
The men's matches are being played at the Udhav Das Mehta (Bhai Ji) Central SAI Centre in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. The women's third match is scheduled at the International Sports Complex, Nathu Barkheda, also in Bhopal.
When is the next India U18 hockey match against Australia?
Both the India U18 men's and women's teams play their third series matches on 18 May in Bhopal. The women's match is at the International Sports Complex, Nathu Barkheda, while the men play at the Udhav Das Mehta (Bhai Ji) Central SAI Centre.
