Our Bureau
Mohali
India’s men’s hockey team defeated Japan 4-1 in the final of the Asian Champions Trophy 2026 in Mohali on Thursday, November 5, to secure their third consecutive title and a record-extending sixth championship overall. The defending champions staged an impressive second-half comeback after trailing by a goal, maintaining their unbeaten run throughout the tournament.
Japan stunned the home crowd by taking an early lead in the third minute through Kazumasa Matsumoto, who scored with a powerful reverse hit. India struggled to break through Japan’s disciplined defence in the first half, with the visitors maintaining their 1-0 advantage at half-time.
However, India returned with renewed energy after the break and gradually took control of the match. Shilanand Lakra brought India level in the 42nd minute by converting a penalty-corner rebound. Six minutes later, Dilpreet Singh put the hosts ahead with a fine finish following a move involving Hardik Singh.
India continued their attacking pressure, with Jugraj Singh extending the lead in the 53rd minute through a powerful penalty-corner conversion. Vivek Sagar Prasad then scored in the 54th minute to seal the 4-1 victory.
The triumph marked India’s sixth Asian Champions Trophy title, adding to their previous victories in 2011, 2016, 2018, 2023 and 2024. The team also completed an unbeaten campaign, having won all five league-stage matches before defeating South Korea 8-1 in the semi-final.
The final was also a landmark occasion for vice-captain Hardik Singh, who made his 200th international appearance. The victory provided a memorable farewell to midfielder Nilakanta Sharma, who played his final international match for India.
India’s dominant performance once again underlined their position as a leading force in Asian hockey.