India retain Asian Champions Trophy with 4-1 win over Japan

India defeated Japan 4-1 in the final of the Asian Champions Trophy at the Olympian Balbir Singh international stadium in Mohali on Thursday to retain the title. The hosts overturned an early deficit with a late run of goals to secure the victory.

Japan struck first in the third minute through Kazumasa Matsumoto, finding a narrow gap between the near post and Suraj Karkera’s gloves. Japan’s defenders continued to show discipline across the match, and goalkeepers Kisho Kuroda and Takumi Kitagawa produced key saves. Despite the midweek fixture, the Olympian Balbir Singh international stadium was packed with spectators for the final.

India dominated territory for long periods but struggled to convert chances; the team did not earn its first penalty corner until the 33rd minute. The hosts recorded 22 entries with 12 shots at goal to seven and two for its rival. Forwards missed several clear opportunities while Hardik Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad and Nilakanta Sharma repeatedly won possession and forced turnovers.

A third penalty corner saw India try a variation and Shilanand Lakra scored to level in the 42nd minute. India then scored three times in quick succession: Dilpreet Singh (48), Jugraj Singh from a penalty corner (52) and Vivek Sagar Prasad (54). Jugraj Singh was pictured being congratulated by teammates after his goal put India 3-1 ahead.

The match was described in the report as India’s scrappiest performance of the tournament, with the hosts appearing under pressure and erratic at times. Japan had begun the game by playing positively rather than sitting back for counters, taking an early lead and frustrating India’s forwards until the second half.

In the third-place playoff, Malaysia beat Korea 5-2 to claim bronze, with Fitri Saari scoring twice, Faisal Saari on 34 minutes, Abu Kamal Azrai on 45 and 50 minutes and Marhan Jalil converting a 58th-minute penalty corner; Korea’s goals came from Park Geunwoo (5) and Chun Semin (13).

The official results read: Final — India 4 (Shilanand Lakra 42-pc, Dilpreet Singh 48, Jugraj Singh 52-pc, Vivek Sagar Prasad 54) bt Japan 1 (Kazumasa Matsumoto 3). Third-place playoff — Malaysia 5 (Fitri Saari 2, Faisal Saari 34, Abu Kamal Azrai 45, 50, Marhan Jalil 58-pc) bt Korea 2 (Park Geunwoo 5, Chun Semin 13).