India Wins Bronze in Asian Men's Hockey Champions Trophy

India, 7 January 2026 — The Indian men's hockey team secured a bronze medal at the Asian Men's Hockey Champions Trophy by defeating Japan 5-3 in the third-place playoff match held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Sunday. The victory showcased India's resilience and skill, bouncing back after a narrow semi-final loss to South Korea.

The match saw Akashdeep Singh scoring twice, while Harmanpreet Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad, and Mandeep Singh each contributed a goal to India's total. Japan put up a strong fight, with goals from Kenta Tanaka, Ken Nagayoshi, and Koji Yamasaki, but ultimately fell short against the Indian side.

India's performance in the tournament has been commendable, with the team showing strong offensive and defensive skills throughout the competition. The bronze medal adds to India's successful track record in the Asian Champions Trophy, having previously won the tournament three times.

The team's focus now shifts to preparing for the upcoming Asian Games, where they aim to continue their momentum and secure a spot in the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup. The coaching staff expressed satisfaction with the team's performance and emphasized the importance of building on this success.

The Asian Men's Hockey Champions Trophy is a significant event in the field hockey calendar, providing teams with the opportunity to compete at a high level and assess their preparedness for future international tournaments.