India came back from 0-1 down to beat Japan 4-1 to clinch record sixth Asian Champions Trophy title

India Men’s Hockey (Photo/Hockey India) India made history on Thursday by winning a record sixth men’s Asian Champions Trophy title after staging a stunning comeback to beat Japan 4-1 in the final in Mohali.The win also completed a hat-trick of consecutive Asian Champions Trophy titles for India as they continued their dominance in the continental competition. It was a special night for the hosts who bounced back from a frustrating first half to produce a commanding performance when it mattered most.Shilanand Lakra (42nd minute), Dilpreet Singh (48th), Jugraj Singh (53rd) and Vivek Sagar Prasad (54th) were on target for India after Japan took an early lead in the third minute through Kazumasu Matsumoto.

Japan strike early, India struggling to find breakthrough

Japan stunned the home crowd when they took the lead in the third minute. Matsumoto collected the ball on the left, fought his way between the circles and unleashed a powerful effort with a reverse strike that beat India goalkeeper Suraj Karkera.India struggled to respond and enjoyed spells of possession, but Japan’s disciplined defensive structure made it difficult for the hosts to create clear cut opportunities. The Indian attack struggled to find its rhythm while the Japanese defenders stood firm and limited the home side’s scoring chances.India had a few chances through Abhishek and Hardik Singh but their efforts failed to trouble the Japanese goalkeeper enough. The visitors also lost an early review after an appeal for a shove inside the circle was dismissed.Japan continued to frustrate India in the second quarter, winning penalty corners and testing the Indian defence. Amit Rohidas produced a crucial block to deny Fujishima as the visitors maintained their organization at the back.India went into the half-time break trailing 0-1 still looking for their first penalty corner of the match.

Shilanand sparks India’s comeback

India came back with more effort after the break and gradually began to put Japan under pressure. Harmanpreet Singh, who was one of the tournament’s leading scorers, went close from a penalty corner but Japan goalkeeper Kisho Kuroda stood firm.Sukhjeet Singh also saw an effort saved before Harmanpreet’s back movement from the rebound hit the post. Despite mounting pressure, Japan continued to hold the lead. The breakthrough finally came in the 42nd minute. India earned a penalty corner and after Harmanpreet’s attempts were kept out by Kuroda, the home side continued to attack. Aditya produced a superb back pass which Shilanand Lakra converted from close range to make it 1-1.Japan challenged the goal, claiming Aditya’s pass was dangerous, but the TV referee found no clear reason to overturn the on-field decision. The target stood and brought India back into the contest.

India erupted in unrest in the last quarter

With the scores level heading into the final quarter, India turned up the intensity and took control of the contest.Hardik Singh played a key role in India’s second goal in the 48th minute. He showed excellent composure under pressure in the circle and after his initial pass was blocked, he regained possession to set up Dilpreet Singh. The striker took a touch and produced a brilliant finish with his back to the keeper to give India the lead for the first time.The visitors extended their lead five minutes later. Vivek Sagar Prasad intercepted a pass in midfield before the ball reached Sukhjeet whose effort earned India a penalty corner. Jugraj Singh stepped up and unleashed a blistering move to make it 3-1 in the 53rd minute.Just a minute later, India struck again to put the result out of Japan’s reach. Nilakanta Sharma collected a loose ball and started the move, with Shilanand’s initial effort saved by the keeper. The bounced ball fell to Vivek Sagar Prasad, who fired a superb half-volley past the goalkeeper to make it 4:1.Japan earned a final penalty corner with 10 seconds remaining, but India’s defense blocked the drag to end the game.