Sports

India thrash Japan 4-1 in stunning comeback, clinch record sixth Asian Champions Trophy

by Trans World Features | @twfindia 05 Nov 2026, 11:35 am

India's men's hockey team produced a spectacular second-half comeback to defeat Japan 4-1 in the final of the Asian Champions Trophy on Thursday, extending their record as the tournament's most successful team with a sixth title.

The Harmanpreet Singh-led side overcame an early setback after Japan took the lead in the third minute through Kazumasa Matsumoto.

However, the defending champions kept pushing despite facing a disciplined Japanese defence that made scoring opportunities difficult to convert.

India eventually found their breakthrough in the 42nd minute when Shilanand Lakra scored the equaliser, breathing new life into the hosts' campaign.

The goal proved to be the turning point as India shifted gears and took complete control of the contest.

Lakra sparks India's comeback

Japan caught India off guard early in the match, with Matsumoto finding the net in the third minute to put the visitors ahead.

The Indian players responded with attacking moves but struggled to penetrate Japan's compact defensive formation.

The Japanese side also created pressure through their counterattacks and penalty-corner opportunities, keeping India on their toes.

India continued to search for an opening after the change of ends. Their persistence finally paid off in the 42nd minute when Lakra converted an opportunity following a penalty-corner move to level the scores at 1-1.

Three goals in six minutes seal the title

With the momentum swinging in their favour, India unleashed an attacking onslaught in the final quarter, scoring three more goals in a remarkable six-minute spell.

Dilpreet Singh put India ahead in the 48th minute with an impressive field goal after being set up by Hardik Singh.

Five minutes later, Jugraj Singh extended the lead by converting a penalty corner in the 53rd minute.

Vivek Sagar Prasad then added another goal in the 54th minute to make it 4-1 and put the result beyond Japan's reach.

India maintained their advantage until the final whistle, triggering celebrations among the home supporters in Mohali.

India's third consecutive Asian Champions Trophy title

The victory marked India's sixth Asian Champions Trophy triumph, adding to their previous title wins in 2011, 2016, 2018, 2023 and 2024.

The team also completed a hat-trick of consecutive titles, having lifted the trophy in 2023 and 2024.

India remained unbeaten throughout the 2026 campaign, underlining their dominance in the continental competition.

The hosts had already beaten Japan 4-1 during the round-robin stage, but the final offered another test of their ability to recover from difficult situations.

For captain Harmanpreet Singh and his teammates, the emphatic victory capped another successful Asian Champions Trophy campaign and further strengthened India's position in continental men's hockey.