India beat Japan 4-1 to clinch record sixth Asian Champions Trophy title
The hosts overcame an early deficit in Mohali to secure their third consecutive continental title on Thursday.
India defeated Japan 4-1 in the men's Asian Champions Trophy final in Mohali on Thursday to secure a record sixth title. The victory also completed a hat-trick of consecutive titles for the hosts, according to reports by The Times of India and WION.
Japan took an early lead in the third minute when Kazumasa Matsumoto scored with a reverse-hit that beat goalkeeper Suraj Karkera. India struggled to find a breakthrough in the first half, with players Abhishek and Hardik Singh failing to trouble the Japanese goalkeeper.
The equaliser arrived in the 42nd minute when Shilanand Lakra converted a close-range chance following a reverse-flick pass from Aditya. Japan challenged the goal by claiming the pass was dangerous, but the TV umpire allowed it to stand.
India took the lead in the 48th minute through Dilpreet Singh, who finished a move involving Hardik Singh. Jugraj Singh then extended the advantage to 3-1 in the 53rd minute with a drag-flick from a penalty corner.
Vivek Sagar Prasad scored India's fourth goal in the 54th minute by hitting a half-volley after Nilakanta Sharma initiated the move and Shilanand Lakra's initial shot was saved. India's defence blocked a final Japanese penalty corner with 10 seconds remaining to secure the win.