India came from behind to beat Japan 4-1 in the final of the Asian Champions Trophy 2026 hockey tournament in Mohali on Thursday 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.
The Indian team, who also won the Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament in 2011, 2016, 2018, 2023 and 2024, 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.
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.
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 captain Harmanpreet Singh’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 level.
Dipreet 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.
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.
Malaysia, the Asian Games silver medallist, clinched the bronze medal with a decisive 5-2 victory over South Korea, highlighted by Abu Kamal Arzai’s brace.
