Men's Hockey Asian Champions Trophy 2026: India Triumphs Over Japan in Semifinals

India, 6 January 2026 — The Indian men's hockey team secured a spot in the finals of the 2026 Asian Champions Trophy by defeating Japan 4-2 in the semifinals on Friday. The match took place at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium in Chennai, showcasing a strong performance by the Indian squad. India, led by captain Harmanpreet Singh, dominated the game from the outset, with goals scored by Mandeep Singh, Lalit Upadhyay, and a brace from Vivek Sagar Prasad. Japan managed to find the net twice, but the Indian team's defense held firm to maintain their lead. The victory marks another step for India in their pursuit of the trophy, having last won the title in 2021. The final match is scheduled for Sunday, where India will face either Pakistan or South Korea, who are set to play the other semifinal match. This win is significant for India as it boosts the team's confidence ahead of the upcoming Asian Games, where they aim to secure a direct qualification for the Paris 2028 Olympics by winning gold. The Asian Champions Trophy serves as a crucial platform for Asian teams to compete at a high level and gain valuable experience, contributing to their development on the international stage.