India Beat Japan 4-1 to Make It Three Wins in Asian Champions Trophy
India continued their winning run at the 2026 Men’s Asian Champions Trophy with a 4-1 victory over Japan on October 30 at the Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium in Jalandhar. After a closely contested first three quarters, the hosts stepped up their attacking game in the final 15 minutes to secure their third consecutive win.
Abhishek was the standout performer, scoring twice on a memorable night that also marked his 150th international appearance for India. Captain Harmanpreet Singh and Vishnukant Singh scored the other goals, while Shota Yamada was Japan’s lone scorer.
Abhishek Gives India an Early Lead
India made a positive start and broke the deadlock in the 11th minute. Sukhjeet Singh created the opportunity with a clever attacking move, beating the Japanese defence before setting up Abhishek, who finished to give the hosts a 1-0 advantage.
Japan, however, responded before the end of the first quarter. Following a series of penalty corners, the visitors were awarded a penalty stroke after the ball struck an Indian defender. Shota Yamada converted from the spot in the 15th minute to make it 1-1.
Despite creating opportunities, India struggled to find a breakthrough in the second quarter. Japan maintained a disciplined defensive structure, restricting the hosts’ attacking movements. Both teams went into half-time level at 1-1.
Harmanpreet Breaks Japan’s Resistance
The third quarter also proved challenging for India, with Japan continuing to defend effectively. The hosts found it difficult to create clear scoring opportunities, and the score remained unchanged until the final quarter.
India finally regained the lead in the 47th minute through captain Harmanpreet Singh. The Indian skipper converted a penalty corner with a powerful drag-flick to make it 2-1.
The goal gave India the momentum they needed. Abhishek struck again in the 51st minute, capitalising on a rebound after his initial attempt was saved by the Japanese goalkeeper. His second goal extended India’s advantage to 3-1.
Vishnukant Seals India’s Third Win
India continued to put pressure on Japan and added a fourth goal in the 56th minute. Vishnukant Singh controlled an aerial pass, moved forward into the circle and sent the ball towards goal to beat the Japanese goalkeeper.
The goal completed India’s 4-1 victory, with the hosts scoring three times in the final quarter after being held to a 1-1 draw for much of the contest.
India Maintain Perfect Start
The win extended India’s unbeaten start to the tournament, with three victories from three matches. The defending champions had opened their campaign with a commanding 13-0 win over Bangladesh before defeating China 5-2.
Japan, meanwhile, had entered the contest after victories over South Korea and Bangladesh. However, India’s late attacking surge proved decisive in Jalandhar.
With another important result secured, India strengthened their position in the round-robin stage as they continue their campaign for the Asian Champions Trophy title.
