India came from a goal down to beat Japan 4-1 in Mohali on Thursday and lift a record sixth Asian Champions Trophy title, completing a third championship in a row.

Japan stunned the home crowd when Kazumasa Matsumoto scored in the third minute, and the visitors held their 1-0 lead until half-time at the Olympian Balbir Singh Senior International Hockey Stadium.

Four goals in 18 minutes

The second half belonged entirely to India. Shilanand Lakra levelled the score in the 42nd minute, and the goal opened the floodgates. Dilpreet Singh put India ahead, Jugraj Singh converted a penalty corner, and a fourth goal in the 54th minute completed a remarkable turnaround — four goals in 18 minutes that turned a 1-0 deficit into a 4-1 win.

It was India's sixth Asian Champions Trophy title, adding to the crowns won in 2011, 2016, 2018, 2023 and 2024, and a third in succession — a tournament record.

Unbeaten champions

The win capped an unbeaten campaign for the hosts, who won all five league matches before thrashing South Korea 8-1 in the semi-final. India finished the tournament with seven wins from seven matches.

Earlier in the day, Malaysia claimed the bronze medal with a 5-2 win over South Korea in the third-place play-off. Japan had reached the final by beating Malaysia on penalties after a goalless semi-final.

The ninth edition of the tournament was played from 27 October to 5 November, with the league stage in Jalandhar and the semi-finals and final in Mohali.

Sources: MyKhel, Asian Champions Trophy: India thrash Japan 4-1, 5 November 2026; Khel Now, 6 November 2026; Jugti, 6 November 2026.