Suryaa Sports Desk: The Indian men's hockey team won the Asian Champions Trophy after defeating Japan 4-1 in the final held at the Balbir Singh Senior International Hockey Stadium in Mohali. This victory marks the sixth time India has won the tournament.
Japan took an early lead in the third minute with a goal from Kazumasa Matsumoto. Despite India maintaining high ball possession during the first two quarters, Japan’s goalkeeper Kishi Kuroda prevented India from scoring, leaving India trailing 0-1 at halftime.
In the third quarter, Shilanand Lakra scored for India in the 42nd minute following a pass from Aditya, leveling the score at 1-1.
India increased its offensive pressure in the final quarter. Dilpreet Singh scored in the 49th minute off a pass from Hardik Singh to give India a 2-1 lead. Jugraj Singh extended the lead to 3-1 in the 53rd minute by converting a penalty corner. Vivek Sagar Prasad scored the final goal in the 54th minute. The Indian team concluded the tournament undefeated.