India Beat Japan 4-1 to Win Sixth Asian Champions Trophy

India defeated Japan 4-1 in the Asian Men’s Champions Trophy 2026 final on Thursday, recovering from an early setback to secure a record sixth men’s title. The defending champions scored all four of their goals in the final 20 minutes, completing a third successive tournament triumph after Japan had led through Kazumasa Matsumoto’s third-minute field goal.

The victory extended India’s unbeaten run in the competition and added to their previous titles in 2011, 2016, 2018, 2023 and 2024. India had also beaten Japan 4-1 during the round-robin stage, but the final initially developed very differently as Japan produced a disciplined display through the opening two quarters.

Japan lead early before India find a second-half response

India began brightly but fell behind against the run of play when Matsumoto scored with a tomahawk in the third minute. The early goal gave Japan a platform in the final, while India created opportunities without finding the finishing touch before half-time.

Japan had two successive penalty corners in the 20th minute, but the Indian defence denied captain Raiki Fujishima. India vice-captain Hardik Singh was involved prominently in midfield in his 200th international match, linking defence and attack as the hosts looked for a route back into the contest. Jarmanpreet Singh also played an important role in defence.

India returned after the interval with greater purpose and earned their first penalty corner in the 33rd minute. Captain Harmanpreet Singh’s flick, however, was blocked by Japan goalkeeper Kisho Kuroda. Japan continued to create pressure of their own and won another penalty corner in the 39th minute, but Shota Yamada could not add to the lead.

The turning point arrived in the 42nd minute. India won back-to-back penalty corners, and Shilannd Lakra converted a rebound after Aditya Arjun Lalage supplied the ball. The equaliser brought India level and set up a decisive final quarter.

Four-goal finish delivers record sixth crown

India moved ahead in the 48th minute through Dilpreet Singh, who finished with a reverse hit after Hardik Singh helped create the opening. Having spent much of the match chasing Japan’s early advantage, India now had control of the final and quickly strengthened their position.

Jugraj made it 3-1 in the 53rd minute, converting India’s third penalty corner with precision. A minute later, Vivek Sagar Prasad added the fourth goal from the top of the circle after Lakra’s initial shot had been saved by Kuroda.

Japan had one final opportunity 12 seconds before the hooter when they earned their fourth penalty corner. Fujishima’s effort went wide, ensuring India completed the final with a 4-1 win.

The result gave India a hat-trick of Asian Men’s Champions Trophy titles and their sixth crown overall. After a difficult first half and an early Japanese goal, India’s four-goal surge after the 42nd minute decided the final and confirmed another unbeaten campaign for the defending champions.