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India’s men’s hockey team won the Asian Champions Trophy 2026 after defeating Japan 4-1 in the final at Mohali on November 5. The victory gave India a record-extending sixth title in the tournament.
The hosts also completed a third consecutive Asian Champions Trophy 2026 win. India produced a strong second-half performance after Japan took an early lead.
The result capped an impressive campaign for the Indian team. The players won all five league matches before reaching the final.
Japan Scores First, India Fights Back
Japan’s Matsumoto Kazumasa opened the scoring in the third minute. India struggled to break through Japan’s defence during the early stages.
The Indian team responded after the break. Shilanand Lakra scored the equaliser in the 42nd minute.
Dilpreet Singh then put India ahead in the 48th minute. Jugraj Singh converted a penalty corner in the 53rd minute.
Sukhjeet Singh added another goal in the 54th minute. India turned the contest into a convincing 4-1 victory.
A Memorable Farewell for Nilakanta Sharma
The tournament also marked the final international appearance of midfielder Nilakanta Sharma. He had announced that this would be his last tournament in the national jersey.
The team dedicated its strong performance to a memorable campaign. The victory also gave the midfielder a fitting farewell in front of the home crowd.
India’s Hardik reached another milestone during the final. He made his 200th senior international appearance.
Individual Awards and Tournament Highlights
Goalkeeper Krishan Bahadur Pathak won the Goalkeeper of the Tournament award. Captain Harmanpreet Singh received the Hero of the Tournament honour.
Harmanpreet also finished as the tournament’s leading goal-scorer with 10 goals. His senior international goal tally reached 250.
Malaysia secured third place after defeating South Korea 5-2. The tournament brought international hockey back to Punjab, with matches in Jalandhar and Mohali.
India’s latest triumph strengthens its position in Asian men’s hockey. The team will now look to build on this success in upcoming international competitions.