Asian Champions Trophy 2026: India beat Japan 4-1 to clinch record sixth title with third consecutive triumph

The Indian Men's Hockey Team produced a stirring second-half comeback to beat Japan 4-1 in the final of the Hero Asian Champions Trophy Punjab 2026 on Thursday, clinching a third successive title and extending their record in the tournament to six titles. While the final result was as expected, Japan also deserve credit for making it a fitting finale with relentless work rate and some impeccable defending.

They took an early lead through Matsumoto Kazumasa (3'), but India responded through Shilanand Lakra (42'), before Dilpreet Singh (48'), Jugraj Singh (53') and Sukhjeet Singh (54') struck in a decisive fourth-quarter burst. The win capped an unbeaten campaign for the hosts, who had won all five league matches before beating South Korea 8-1 in the semi-final.

India's title-winning run was a perfect farewell to midfielder Nilakanta Sharma, who played his last international match, having announced earlier that it would be his last tournament in the national jersey. 

Japan began with greater urgency and capitalized on the chances they created. Matsumoto drove into the circle from the right after receiving the ball from Saito Hiro and finished with a powerful reverse hit that beat goalkeeper Suraj Karkera.

India gradually saw more of the ball, but Japan's compact defensive structure made it difficult to find clear openings. Nilakanta's long diagonal pass found Abhishek in the ninth minute, but his tomahawk went wide. Dilpreet could not control an incisive pass from Jugraj soon after, while Hardik Singh tested Japan goalkeeper Kisho Kuroda from the top of the circle.

Japan earned two penalty corners in the second quarter. Their first attempt was blocked, while a successful video referral -- after captain Harmanpreet Singh was penalised for a push, gave them another opportunity. However, captain Raiki Fujishima's shot was deflected away. In a complete contrast, India could not earn a single penalty corner in the first two quarters despite making 11 circle penetrations.

Additionally, Japan's close marking made it difficult for Indian forwards to find space and also limited India's use of aerial passes. As the hosts struggled to find an equaliser, the capacity crowd at the Olympian Balbir Singh Senior International Hockey Stadium grew noticeably quieter.

Things, however, took a turn after the half-time break as India came out with greater intent and earned an early penalty corner. Harmanpreet's powerful drag-flick went straight to Kuroda. After some quick exchanges, India found another penalty corner. While Kuroda produced an excellent save with his outstretched right foot to deny Harmanpreet on a drag-flick, India finally found a way through with a variation on the second attempt in the 42nd minute. 

Harmanpreet slipped the ball to Sukhjeet, whose attempt was blocked. Dilpreet collected the loose ball, moved it to Aditya near the baseline, who cut it back for Shilanand to deflect home. Japan referred the goal for dangerous play, but the on-field decision was upheld.

Dilpreet put India ahead in the 48th minute after a move involving Sanjay and Hardik. Hardik regained possession after his first pass was blocked and slid the ball to Dilpreet, who turned and struck to score.

India extended their lead in the 53rd minute when Jugraj converted a penalty corner with a powerful drag-flick. A minute later, Sukhjeet made it 4-1, deflecting a slapshot by Vivek Sagar Prasad from the top of the circle.

Japan threatened late when Matsumoto attempted to score with Krishan Bahadur Pathak off his line, but India cleared the danger. Japan earned one final penalty corner with 12 seconds remaining on the clock, but Fujishima's drag-flick went wide. Soon the final hooter sounded, followed by loud cheers as the passionate home crowd celebrated India's victory.

The final was a landmark occasion for Hardik, who made his 200th senior international appearance. He was presented with a special jersey by Punjab Chief Minister Shri Bhagwant Mann before the match.

Krishan Bahadur Pathak was named the Goalkeeper of the Tournament, while Harmanpreet received the Hero of the Tournament award besides being awarded for his top-of-the-chart 10 goals, which took his tally of senior international goals to 250. 

Earlier, Malaysia claimed the bronze medal with a 5-2 win over South Korea. Fitri Saari (2'), Faizal Saari (34'), Abu Kamal Azrai (45', 50') and captain Marhan Jalil (58') scored for Malaysia, while Geunwoo Park (5') and Semin Chun (13') found the net for Korea.

India's victory also provided a fitting finish to the tournament in Punjab, where international hockey made a perfect return, as the crowd packed the stadiums at the two venues, Jalandhar and Mohali.