New Delhi, Feb 20 (NationPress) The Indian hockey team is preparing for an exciting new beginning as they turn their attention to the Hobart segment of the FIH Men’s Pro League 2025–26, set to take place from February 20 to 25 at the Tasmania Hockey Centre in Australia. With a strong desire to recover and enhance their performances, India is set to face Spain and the host nation Australia in what is expected to be a fiercely contested series of matches.

Despite the challenges faced during the recent Rourkela leg, the team has regrouped with a positive outlook. They see the upcoming matches as a crucial chance to experiment with combinations, improve their tactical structure, and gain momentum ahead of the Men’s FIH Hockey World Cup and Asian Games. The 24-player squad includes a vibrant blend of experienced veterans and promising young players eager to shine on the global stage.

India will kick off their Hobart journey against Spain on February 21, followed by an electrifying match against Australia on February 22. They will encounter Spain once more on February 24 before wrapping up the Hobart leg with a decisive face-off against the formidable Australian team on February 25.

Historical matchups indicate that an exhilarating set of contests is on the horizon. India and Spain have shown remarkable parity in their last 10 encounters, with each team securing four wins in regulation time and two draws, where India triumphed in the shootouts.

In their contests against Australia, high-scoring excitement has been a given. Although the hosts have a statistical advantage in their last 10 confrontations, with six victories to India’s two (and two draws), a revitalized Indian squad will be keen to overturn the results on Australian soil.

Hardik Singh, a two-time Olympic bronze medallist, has been appointed captain for the Australian leg of the Pro League, stepping in for Harmanpreet Singh. The team is also infused with fresh talent, including players such as Amandeep Lakra and Manmeet Singh, who are looking to build on their recent senior debuts, along with rising stars like Angad Bir Singh, Araijeet Singh Hundal, and Aditya Arjun Lalage, all eager to demonstrate their skills in the forward position.

Expressing his enthusiasm for the upcoming Hobart segment, Hardik Singh stated, “It is a tremendous honour to lead the national team in a prestigious tournament like the Pro League. While we will certainly miss Harmanpreet’s presence on the pitch, his absence provides a valuable opportunity for the rest of the group to step up and take charge. As a team, we have reviewed our recent matches, learned our lessons, and are entering Hobart with a highly positive and aggressive mindset.”

Discussing the younger players joining the squad, Hardik added, “I am incredibly excited about the new faces joining us for this tour. Youngsters bring very fresh, fearless energy to our attacking lineup. They have worked exceptionally hard to earn their spots, and playing against top-tier teams like Australia and Spain is the perfect platform for them to express themselves. The entire group is motivated to support them, execute our plans, and play the brand of hockey India is known for.”

With renewed focus and a point to prove, the Indian team is determined to make a bold statement at the Tasmania Hockey Centre and establish a strong foundation for major tournaments later this year.