India Secures Historic 6th Asian Champions Trophy Title with 4-1 Victory Over Japan
India Triumphs in Asian Champions Trophy Final
In a remarkable display of skill, the defending champions India made history by winning their sixth Asian Champions Trophy title, defeating Japan 4-1 in the final held at the Olympian Balbir Singh Senior International Hockey Stadium in Mohali on Thursday.
This victory marks India's third consecutive title, having previously won in 2023 and 2024, and they concluded the tournament with an impressive record of seven wins from seven matches.
Japan, competing in their third final, initially shocked the Indian team by taking an early lead. Kazumasa Matsumoto scored a stunning backhand goal in the 3rd minute, putting Japan ahead 1-0, a lead they maintained until halftime.
However, India came back strong after the break. Shilanand Lakra equalized in the 42nd minute with a penalty corner variation set up by captain Harmanpreet Singh.
The final quarter saw India dominate the game. Dilpreet Singh scored in the 47th minute to make it 2-1, followed by Jugraj Singh's powerful drag-flick in the 52nd minute, extending the lead to 3-1. Vivek Sagar Prasad capped off the scoring with a goal in the 53rd minute, sealing the match at 4-1.
With this win, India has now claimed the title in 2011, 2016, 2018 (shared), 2023, 2024, and 2026, while Japan continues to seek their first title after losing finals in 2013, 2021, and now 2026.
Captain Harmanpreet Singh's leadership was pivotal throughout the tournament, with key contributions from Hardik Singh, Amit Rohidas, Shilanand Lakra, and goalkeeper Krishan Bahadur Pathak in the final.
Earlier in the day, Malaysia secured the bronze medal with a decisive 5-2 victory over South Korea, coming back from a 1-2 deficit. Fitri Saari opened the scoring for Malaysia in the 2nd minute, but South Korea responded with goals from Park Geun Woo and Chun Semin.
Malaysia rallied in the last two quarters, with veteran Faizal Saari equalizing in the 34th minute. Abu Kamal Azrai scored twice in quick succession, and captain Marhan Jalil added another goal to finalize the score at 5-2.
The final match took place in front of a full crowd in Mohali, which hosted the knockout stages of the tournament, while the league matches were held at the Olympian Surjit Hockey Stadium in Jalandhar.