SportsPosted at: Nov 5 2026 9:11PM


India fight back to beat Japan 4-1, clinch third straight Asian Champions Trophy

Mohali, Nov 5 (UNI) India produced a stunning fourth-quarter comeback, scoring four goals in the final 15 minutes to defeat Japan 4-1 and clinch their third consecutive Asian Champions Trophy men's hockey title at the Olympian Balbir Singh International Hockey Stadium here on Thursday.
Trailing 0-1 at the end of the third quarter, the hosts raised their game dramatically in the final 15 minutes, with Shilanand Lakra, Dilpreet Singh, Jugraj Singh and Vivek Sagar Prasad finding the target to turn a potentially difficult evening into a memorable title triumph.
The victory completed India's hat-trick of Asian Champions Trophy titles, having also won the 2023 and 2024 editions, and capped an unbeaten campaign in which they registered five victories in the league stage before dominating the knockout rounds.
Japan, who had pushed India hard in their earlier league encounter, began the final with a disciplined defensive approach and looked dangerous on the counter-attack.
Their compact defensive structure made it difficult for the Indian forwards to penetrate the circle, while goalkeeper Kisho Kuroda produced several crucial saves to keep the hosts at bay.
India struggled to create clear scoring opportunities in the opening two quarters and went into half-time trailing 0-1. The frustration continued into the third quarter, with Japan defending resolutely and denying the hosts space in the attacking circle.
India's breakthrough came in the 42nd minute following a penalty corner. Harmanpreet Singh's variation created an opportunity, and after a scramble inside the circle, Shilanand Lakra converted from close range following a reverse-flick pass from Aditya.
Japan challenged the goal, alleging that the final pass was dangerous, but the video umpire found no clear reason to overturn the on-field decision.
The equaliser changed the complexion of the contest, with India displaying greater urgency and confidence in the attacking third.
Dilpreet Singh put India ahead in the 48th minute with a superb field goal. Hardik Singh showed excellent composure under pressure inside the circle, regained possession after his initial pass was blocked and set up Dilpreet, who produced a brilliant finish with his back facing the goalkeeper.
India consolidated their advantage in the 53rd minute when Jugraj Singh converted a penalty corner with a powerful drag-flick that gave the Japanese defence little opportunity to respond.
The hosts struck again within a minute to effectively seal the contest. Vivek Sagar Prasad capitalised on a loose ball after Shilanand's initial attempt was saved, smashing the rebound past the goalkeeper to make it 4-1 in the 54th minute.
Japan attempted to mount a late challenge, but India's defence remained organised and goalkeeper Krishan Pathak made an important intervention to deny them an opportunity. The Indian players held their composure in the closing minutes to secure a convincing victory.
India had entered the final in commanding form after thrashing South Korea 8-1 in Wednesday's semifinal. Shilanand and Dilpreet scored two goals each, while captain Harmanpreet Singh, Sukhjeet Singh, Angad Bir Singh and Vivek Sagar Prasad contributed a goal apiece.
Japan booked their place in the final after defeating Malaysia 5-3 in a shootout, following a goalless draw in regulation time.
India had also beaten Japan 4-2 in their league-stage meeting, with Harmanpreet scoring a hat-trick.
The final victory, however, was built on a collective attacking response in the closing quarter, as India once again underlined their standing as the dominant force in the continental competition.
UNI BDN
Tags: #India fight back to beat Japan 4-1# clinch third straight Asian Champions Trophy
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