India come from behind to down Japan 4-1 and win sixth Asian Champions Trophy title

Japan struck the first blow, but it was hosts India who hit the final one as they posted a come-from-behind 4-1 win over their rivals in the final of the Hero Asian Champions Trophy in Mohali to clinch a record-extending sixth title.

Shilanand Lakra (42’), Dipreet Singh (48’), Jugraj Singh (53’) and Vivek Sagar Prasad (54’) scored the goals for India to complete a hat-trick of triumphs after Kazumasa Matsumoto (3’) had given Japan an early lead in the opening quarter.

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The Indian team had also won the Asian Champions Trophy tournament in 2011, 2016, 2018, 2023 and 2024. This year they had remained unbeaten throughout the competition.

At the Olympian Balbir Singh Senior International Hockey Stadium, Japan took the lead against the run of play in the third minute when Matsumoto scored with a tomahawk.

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India responded by creating several chances but struggled to find the finishing touch in the first half. Japan also threatened through penalty corners, with the Indian defence standing firm to deny captain Raiki Fujishima.

Indian skipper Harmanpreet Singh bagged the Hero of the tournament award and finishes as the Top Scorer of the Hero Asian Champions Trophy Punjab 2026. Pics: Hockey India

Vice-captain Hardik Singh, playing his 200th international match, was instrumental in India’s midfield, linking the defence with the forward line and helping create attacking opportunities.

India stepped up the pressure after the change of ends and earned their first penalty corner in the 33rd minute, but skipper Harmanpreet Kaur’s flick was blocked by Japanese goalkeeper Kisho Kuroda.

Japan continued to threaten, but India eventually found the breakthrough in the 42nd minute. Lakra converted from a rebound after Aditya Lalage’s initial delivery to bring the hosts on par with the rivals.

Dilpreet then put India ahead in the 48th minute with a reverse hit following a brilliant setup from Hardik.

The defending champions extended their advantage in the 53rd minute when Jugraj converted a penalty corner with precision. Vivek Sagar Prasad completed the comeback a minute later, scoring with a powerful strike from the top of the circle after Kuroda saved Lakra’s initial attempt.

Bheem Singh, secretary of Hockey Telangana, was felicitated by Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann in Mohali on Thursday

Japan earned a late penalty corner, but Fujishima’s effort went wide as India sealed another continental title. India had also defeated Japan 4-1 in the round-robin stage.

The Hockey India Executive Board members are felicitated by chief minister of Punjab Bhagwant Mann, following Team India’s title-winning victory in the Final of the Hero Asian Champions Trophy Punjab 2026 in Mohali.