Nilakanta Sharma gets a perfect farewell as India complete a hat-trick of titles with a stunning second-half comeback in Mohali
India produced a sensational second-half comeback to defeat Japan 4-1 in the final of the Hero Asian Champions Trophy Punjab 2026 on Thursday, extending their record to six titles and securing their third consecutive championship.
In front of a packed crowd at the Olympian Balbir Singh Senior International Hockey Stadium in Mohali, the hosts overcame an early setback to finish their unbeaten campaign in style. The victory also provided a memorable farewell to midfielder Nilakanta Sharma, who played his final international match after announcing his retirement from the national jersey.
Japan took an early lead through Matsumoto Kazumasa in the third minute, catching India off guard with a powerful reverse hit. Despite enjoying more possession as the match progressed, India struggled to break through Japan’s disciplined defensive structure in the first half.
India made 11 circle penetrations but failed to earn a single penalty corner in the opening two quarters. Japan, meanwhile, created opportunities of their own and maintained their 1-0 advantage at half-time.
The momentum shifted after the break as India returned with greater attacking intent. Their persistence finally paid off in the 42nd minute when Shilanand Lakra deflected home following a well-worked penalty-corner variation involving Harmanpreet Singh, Sukhjeet Singh, Dilpreet Singh and Aditya.
With the equaliser secured, India turned up the pressure. Dilpreet Singh put the hosts ahead in the 48th minute after a fine attacking move involving Sanjay and Hardik Singh.
Jugraj Singh then extended India’s advantage in the 53rd minute with a powerful penalty-corner drag-flick, before Sukhjeet Singh completed the scoring a minute later, deflecting Vivek Sagar Prasad’s slapshot into the net.
Japan attempted a late response but could not breach India’s defence again as the final hooter confirmed a commanding 4-1 victory.
The triumph was particularly special for Nilakanta Sharma, who received a fitting send-off as India celebrated another continental crown.
It was also a landmark evening for Hardik Singh, who made his 200th senior international appearance. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann presented him with a special jersey ahead of the final.
India’s Harmanpreet Singh was named Hero of the Tournament after finishing as the competition’s leading scorer with 10 goals. The Indian captain also reached the milestone of 250 senior international goals. Goalkeeper Krishan Bahadur Pathak received the Goalkeeper of the Tournament award.
Earlier, Malaysia secured the bronze medal with a 5-2 victory over South Korea.
India’s sixth title, third in succession, capped a dominant unbeaten campaign and marked a successful return of international hockey to Punjab, with enthusiastic crowds turning out in Jalandhar and Mohali.
India’s record-extending triumph was not just another title defence; it was a celebration of dominance, resilience and a fitting farewell to one of the team’s most experienced midfielders.
