Harmanpreet Singh Praises India's Composure After Historic Asian Champions Trophy Triumph

India men's hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh praised his team's composure and ability to stick to their plans after the hosts staged a comeback to defeat Japan 4-1 in the final of the Asian Champions Trophy 2026 at the Olympian Balbir Singh Senior International Hockey Stadium in Mohali on Thursday. Harmanpreet said the team's focus remained on executing its plans throughout the 60 minutes, regardless of the scoreline, and credited the players for maintaining their composure, especially in the final quarter.

"Our target and focus remained the same: to stay focused for the entire 60 minutes. Regardless of the score, we stuck to the plan we were given. We knew that if we remained patient, we would deliver a strong performance. In the final quarter, we managed to score some good goals. It really comes down to how patiently you react to situations and how calm you remain. The whole team demonstrated that, and we certainly scored some excellent goals towards the end," Harmanpreet told ANI after the match.

India extended their record to six Asian Champions Trophy titles and completed a hat-trick of successive triumphs, having also won the tournament in 2023 and 2024. The defending champions finished their campaign unbeaten, registering seven wins in as many matches.

Japan handed India an early scare when Kazumasa Matsumoto scored with a brilliant backhand effort in the third minute. The visitors held their 1-0 lead until half-time before India turned the contest around after the break.

Shilanand Lakra restored parity in the 42nd minute through a penalty-corner variation involving Harmanpreet. Dilpreet Singh then put India ahead in the 47th minute before Jugraj Singh converted a powerful drag-flick in the 52nd minute. Vivek Sagar Prasad completed the scoring a minute later to seal the 4-1 victory.

India forward Mandeep Singh, who was part of the title-winning campaign, expressed his delight at the team's successful title defence and thanked the spectators for their support.

"It feels great that we have won back-to-back gold medals. Both teams played very well, and our second half was excellent. I thank everyone who came here to watch the match because this is the first time such a large crowd has gathered for a hockey match in Punjab," Mandeep said.

Former India women's hockey captain Rani Rampal, who attended the final and the medal ceremony, also highlighted the significance of hosting an international hockey tournament in Punjab and praised the support from the local crowd.

"The feeling of playing on home soil is truly special, especially in a state like Punjab, which has contributed so many players to Indian hockey, particularly to the men's team. It's wonderful that an international tournament is being held in Punjab, and I'm glad I had the opportunity to witness it.

"Many young children were present, but perhaps the most heartening sight was seeing the players' families in the stands. Japan put up a strong fight against India today. In the first two quarters, India wasn't at its best, while Japan arrived well prepared. However, once India shifted to its traditional attacking style, which began towards the end of the third quarter, the game opened up," Rani said.

Rani, who represented India in 212 international matches and scored 134 goals, was the youngest member of the national team at the 2010 World Cup, aged just 15.

India have now won the Asian Champions Trophy in 2011, 2016, 2018 (shared), 2023, 2024 and 2026.

Japan, meanwhile, finished runners-up for the third time, having also lost the finals in 2013 and 2021.

Earlier in the day, Malaysia secured the bronze medal with a 5-2 victory over South Korea after fighting back from a goal down.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Featured Video Of The Day

India Ends CWG Boxing Campaign With Record-Breaking Seven Gold Medals