India's under 18-World Cup potential players fell a minute short and went down 1-2 to a an strong Australia team in the final of the Singapore International Hockey Challenge on Monday.
The teams were locked goalless at half-time.
Mirza Mohammed Ather scored for India in the 42nd minute through a penalty-corner but Jacob James Burns equalised 45 seconds later through a field goal, short-living the Indian joy.
The Indians softened in the last minute of the game and conceded a field goal to Matt Daniels Gohdes just before the final hooter.
Earlier, Pakistan defeated host Singapore 4-1 for third place.
In the women's section, Australian eves beat Malaysian women by 2-0 in the Singapore open tournament which began on October 17.
Hong Kong was the fourth team that participated in both the men and women annual tournament.