India Clinch Historic Hat-Trick of Asian Champions Trophy Titles

India continued its dominance in the Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament, defeating Japan 4-1 in the final on Thursday to win the title for the third consecutive time. Japan made an early impact, taking the lead in the third minute through Matsumoto. Despite several attempts, India struggled to find an equaliser until the closing stages of the third quarter, when Shilanand Lakra converted a penalty corner in the 42nd minute to level the score at 1-1.

Inspired by the equaliser, India launched an impressive attacking display in the final quarter. Dilpreet Singh put India ahead in the 48th minute, followed by goals from Jugraj Singh in the 53rd minute and Vivek Sagar Prasad in the 54th minute, sealing a convincing 4-1 victory. The Indian defence then held firm to prevent Japan from scoring during the final six minutes. This was India's third consecutive Asian Champions Trophy title, following victories in 2023 and 2024, and their sixth overall. India had previously won the tournament in 2011, 2016 and 2018. In the third-place match, Malaysia defeated South Korea 5-2 to claim the bronze medal.