Won the trophy for the sixth time by defeating Japan 4-1

Mohali: Defending champions India completed a hat-trick of titles and won the trophy for the sixth time overall by defeating Japan 4-1 in the final of the men's Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament here on Thursday. The Indian team, which won the gold medal in the Asian Games, has previously won this tournament in 2011, 2016, 2018, 2023 and 2024.

Japan surprised the Indian team with the help of Kazumasa Matsumoto's field goal in the third minute. After this India gained momentum. Shilanand Lakra (42nd minute) scored from a penalty corner, Dilpreet Singh (48th minute) scored from a field goal and Jugraj scored from a set-piece in the 53rd minute. Vivek Sagar Prasad scored a goal in the 54th minute to make the home team's score 4-1.

India had earlier defeated Japan 4-1 in the round-robin stage of the tournament at the Olympian Surjit Singh Stadium in Jalandhar but on Thursday, Japan gave India a tough fight in the first two quarters. However, the home team made a strong comeback in the second half. India started well, but Japan took the lead in the third minute through a goal from Matsumoto.

Matsumoto surprised the spectators present at the Olympian Balbir Singh Stadium and scored the goal with a 'Tomahawk' shot. After this, the Indian players showed pace and created some chances, but they failed to convert them into goals. Japan got two consecutive penalty corners in the 20th minute but the Indian defense played brilliantly and stopped Japan captain Riki Fujishima from scoring a goal.

Vice-captain Hardik Singh, playing his 200th international match, proved to be the star in India's midfield. They created many chances while creating excellent coordination. On the other hand, Jarmanpreet Singh remained rock solid in defense with his excellent play and hard work. Trailing 0-1, the Indian team played more aggressively in the second half and won their first penalty corner in the 33rd minute but captain Harmanpreet Singh's flick was stopped by Japanese goalkeeper Kisho Kuroda.

Japan continued their good form and won their second penalty corner in the 39th minute, but Shota Yamada's effort failed to score. India maintained pressure on the Japanese defense and won two consecutive penalty corners in the 42nd minute. Lakra equalized the score by scoring from the rebound after a pass from Aditya Arjun Lalage.

India continued their dominance in the last quarter as well and in the 48th minute, Dilpreet converted a brilliant pass from Hardik to give the home team the lead. After getting the lead, the Indian team's game completely changed. In the 53rd minute, Jugraj converted India's third penalty corner with great accuracy. After this it became difficult to stop India.

Lakra's initial shot was stopped by the Japanese goalkeeper, but then Vivek scored with a powerful shot from the top of the circle. Just 12 seconds before the end of the match, Japan got their fourth penalty corner, but captain Fujishima's shot went wide.

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