India roar back from 0-1 down to beat Japan 4-1, clinch record sixth ACT title

NewsSports NewsHockey NewsHockey NewsIndia roar back from 0-1 down to beat Japan 4-1, clinch record sixth Asian Champions Trophy title India roar back from 0-1 down to beat Japan 4-1, clinch record sixth Asian Champions Trophy title Edited by Nitesh Dubey / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Nov 05, 2026, 21:15 IST India scripted history on Thursday, clinching a record sixth men's Asian Champions Trophy title after producing a stunning comeback to defeat Japan 4-1 in the final in Mohali.The victory also completed a hat-trick of consecutive Asian Champions Trophy titles for India, who continued their dominance in the continental competition.

It was a special night for the hosts, who bounced back from a frustrating first half to deliver a commanding performance when it mattered most.Shilanand Lakra (42nd minute), Dilpreet Singh (48th), Jugraj Singh (53rd) and Vivek Sagar Prasad (54th) were on target for India after Japan had taken an early lead through Kazumasa Matsumoto in the third minute.

Watch Kynan Chenai: The 38-Year-Old Gun Barrel, Asian Games Gold and the LA 2028 Dream | TOISA Spotlight Japan stunned the home crowd by taking the lead in the third minute. Matsumoto collected the ball on the left, made his way into the circle and unleashed a powerful reverse-hit effort that beat Indian goalkeeper Suraj Karkera.India looked to respond and enjoyed spells of possession, but Japan's disciplined defensive structure made it difficult for the hosts to create clear-cut opportunities.

The Indian attack struggled to find its rhythm, while the Japanese defenders stood firm and limited the hosts' scoring chances.India had a few opportunities through Abhishek and Hardik Singh, but their efforts failed to trouble the Japanese goalkeeper enough.

The hosts also lost an early review after an appeal for a push inside the circle was turned down.Japan continued to frustrate India in the second quarter, earning penalty corners and testing the Indian defence. Amit Rohidas produced a crucial block to deny Fujishima, while the visitors maintained their organisation at the back.India went into the half-time break trailing 0-1 and still searching for their first penalty corner of the match.Shilanand sparks India's comeback India returned with greater intent after the break and gradually began putting Japan under pressure.

Harmanpreet Singh, who had been one of the tournament's leading goal-scorers, came close with a penalty-corner effort, but Japanese goalkeeper Kisho Kuroda stood firm.Sukhjeet Singh also saw an attempt saved, before Harmanpreet's reverse-flick from the rebound struck the post.

Despite the mounting pressure, Japan continued to hold on to their lead. The breakthrough finally arrived in the 42nd minute. India earned a penalty corner and, after Harmanpreet's attempts were kept out by Kuroda, the hosts continued to attack.

Aditya produced a superb reverse-flick pass, which Shilanand Lakra converted from close range to make it 1-1.Japan challenged the goal, claiming that Aditya's pass was dangerous, but the TV umpire found no clear reason to overturn the on-field decision.

The goal stood, bringing India back into the contest.India run riot in final quarter With the scores level heading into the final quarter, India raised their intensity and took control of the contest.Hardik Singh played a key role in India's second goal in the 48th minute.

Showing excellent composure under pressure inside the circle, he recovered possession after his initial pass was blocked and set up Dilpreet Singh. The forward took a touch before producing a brilliant finish with his back to the goalkeeper to put India ahead for the first time.Join conversation The hosts extended their advantage five minutes later.

Vivek Sagar Prasad intercepted a pass in midfield before the ball reached Sukhjeet, whose effort earned India a penalty corner. Jugraj Singh stepped up and unleashed a thunderous drag-flick to make it 3-1 in the 53rd minute.India struck again just a minute later to put the result beyond Japan's reach.

Nilakanta Sharma won a loose ball and initiated the move, with Shilanand's initial effort saved by the goalkeeper. The rebound fell to Vivek Sagar Prasad, who smashed it past the keeper with a superb half-volley to make it 4-1.Japan earned one final penalty corner with 10 seconds remaining, but India's defence blocked the drag-flick to bring the contest to an end.

Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app. Nitesh Dubey is a digital content producer at the Times of India with over two years of experience in sports journalism. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication.

Before joining TOI Online Sports Desk in March 2026, he was part of India News and Zee News. He has covered major sporting events, including ICC tournaments, IPL, Olympics and Tennis tournaments showcasing his passion for cricket and other sports.

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