India Wins Bronze in Asian Champions Trophy Hockey Tournament

India, 31 December 2025 — The Indian national hockey team secured a bronze medal in the Asian Champions Trophy by defeating Japan 4-2 in the third-place match on Friday in Chennai. The victory came after a closely contested game where India showed resilience and tactical superiority. Harmanpreet Singh, the captain, led from the front with two goals, while Jugraj Singh and Vivek Sagar Prasad added one each to the tally. The tournament, which concluded at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium, saw India recovering from a semi-final defeat against Malaysia to clinch the third spot.
The Asian Champions Trophy is a significant event for field hockey in the region, bringing together top Asian teams. India's performance in this edition underscores its continuing prowess in the sport despite stiff competition. The victory also provides a morale boost as the team prepares for upcoming international tournaments. Coach Craig Fulton expressed satisfaction with the team's overall performance and emphasized the importance of building on this success for future challenges.
The tournament, held in Chennai, featured six teams, including India, Japan, Malaysia, South Korea, China, and Pakistan. South Korea emerged as the champions, defeating Malaysia in the final. The Indian team's focus will now shift to the upcoming FIH Hockey Pro League, where they aim to further their international standing.
Field hockey has a rich history in India, and successes like this resonate with fans and aspiring players alike, reinforcing the sport's importance in the national sports agenda. The bronze medal victory is expected to inspire younger players and add to India's long-standing legacy in the field of hockey.