India recovered from an early deficit to defeat Japan 4-1 in the gold medal match of the Hero Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament at Olympian Balbir Singh Senior Hockey Stadium in Mohali on Thursday.
The victory completed India’s sweep of the continental titles this year. Earlier, Malaysia defeated Korea 5-2 to claim the bronze medal.
Japan took the lead in the third minute through Kazumasa Matsumoto and held off repeated Indian attacks before Shilanand Lakra equalized in the second half. Goals from Dilpreet Singh, Jugraj Singh and Vivek Sagar then secured the title for the hosts.
The final also marked two milestones for India. Hardik Singh received a memento to commemorate his 200th international appearance, while Nilakanta Sharma played his final international match.
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Before the game, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Governor Gulab Chand Kataria visited sections of the stands to acknowledge spectators’ greetings.
Among those attending were 1975 World Cup winners Ajit Pal Singh and Aslam Sher Khan, 1980 Moscow Olympic gold medalist Zafar Iqbal, and Rupa Saini, captain of India’s women’s team at the 1980 Olympics. Former Indian captains Rajpal Singh and Rani Rampal, along with Rajpal’s wife, shooter Avneet, also watched the final.
With Mandeep Singh joining Abhishek on the injured list, India included Nilakanta and Hardik in the starting lineup. Amit Rohidas began on the bench.
Japan entered the final after defeating Malaysia in the semifinals, while India had beaten Korea 8-1. Despite facing the tournament favorites on home ground, Japan attacked from the outset.
Matsumoto gave Japan an early advantage with a powerful shot from the top of the circle that caught Indian goalkeeper Suraj Karkera off guard, quieting the home crowd.
Japan’s tight marking disrupted India’s attacking moves. The hosts tried to create openings by using the available space, but Japan restricted their forwards and protected the lead.
India’s first significant opportunity came in the 13th minute when Lakra was brought down by Jutin Watanabe near the edge of the shooting circle. A video review upheld the award of a free hit, with India retaining its referral.
A cross from Harmanpreet Singh went without a finishing touch in the 14th minute, and Japan withstood another Indian attack before the end of the opening quarter.
Japan earned its first penalty corner in the 20th minute, but Rohidas blocked the attempt as the first runner. Another penalty corner followed after Rohidas challenged Japan’s captain. The decision was upheld on review, but the attempt was deflected out.
India continued to create chances, although several balls across the goalmouth went untouched. A promising move by Hardik in the 30th minute also failed to produce an equalizer.
The hosts earned their first penalty corner in the 33rd minute, but Japanese goalkeeper Kisho Kuroda saved Harmanpreet’s flick. Further pressure in the 37th minute brought no breakthrough, even as Harmanpreet attempted a shot from the middle of the circle.
India eventually drew level following its second penalty corner. An indirect routine moved the ball around the Japanese circle before Lakra struck home. A video review upheld the goal.
Dilpreet put India ahead in the 48th minute, volleying into the net after a goalmouth scramble. The goal lifted the crowd and gave the hosts renewed momentum as they pressed to extend their advantage.
With eight minutes remaining, Jugraj converted another penalty corner to make it 3-1. Vivek Sagar completed the scoring in the 54th minute, driving home a rebound from the top of the circle to seal India’s victory.
