India win Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament for 6th time

• India has scripted history in international hockey by defeating Japan 4-1 in the final of the Men’s Asian Champions Trophy 2026 at Mohali, Punjab.
• The victory secured India’s record-extending sixth Asian Champions Trophy title and completed a hat-trick of consecutive championship triumphs.
• The Indian men’s hockey team produced a remarkable comeback after conceding an early goal to Japan, demonstrating exceptional determination, attacking quality and teamwork in front of the home crowd.

Japan Take Early Lead Against India

• Japan started the final aggressively and stunned the Indian supporters by taking the lead in the third minute through Kazumasa Matsumoto.
• India struggled to find an equaliser during the opening stages as Japan maintained a disciplined defensive structure.
• The visitors continued to challenge the Indian defence, keeping the hosts under pressure.
• India went into half-time trailing 0-1, with the team needing a strong response in the second half.

India Make a Stunning Comeback

• The Indian team returned with renewed energy after the half-time break and gradually increased its attacking pressure.
• Shilanand Lakra brought India back into the contest by scoring the equaliser in the 42nd minute.
• Dilpreet Singh then put India ahead in the 48th minute, giving the home team a crucial advantage.
• India strengthened their position in the 53rd minute when Jugraj Singh converted a penalty corner with a powerful drag-flick.
• Just a minute later, Vivek Sagar Prasad scored India’s fourth goal to make it 4-1 and put the championship beyond Japan’s reach.

India Create History with Sixth Asian Champions Trophy

• The victory marked India’s sixth Men’s Asian Champions Trophy title, further strengthening the country’s position as the most successful team in the tournament’s history.
• India also completed three consecutive championship victories, highlighting their continued dominance in Asian men’s hockey.
• The triumph was particularly special as the Indian team lifted the trophy on home soil in front of passionate supporters in Mohali.

2026 Men’s Asian Champions Trophy

• The 2026 Men’s Asian Champions Trophy (Hero ACT 2026) is the 9th edition of the tournament, organized by the Asian Hockey Federation
• Teams: India (defending champions), Pakistan, China, Japan, Malaysia, South KoreaReserve teams: Bangladesh, Oman

Note: Earlier India won the tournament in 2011, 2016, 2018, 2023 and 2024.