Chandigarh / Mohali: Proving true to the dream envisioned by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann for Punjab, a golden chapter stands written in the history of Indian Hockey. Witnessed by the galaxy of former Indian World Cup winning & Olympian Hockey stars and those from abroad, the Hero Asian Champions Trophy Punjab 2026 concluded on a triumphant note with India lifting the trophy after beating Japan 4-1 in a thrilling final, and the two historic stadiums of Punjab – Olympian Balbir Singh Senior Hockey Stadium, Mohali and Olympian Surjit Hockey Stadium, Jalandhar – winning hearts across the world.
India remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, winning all 7 matches – 5 in the league stage at Jalandhar, semi-final and final at Mohali – to clinch a record-extending 6th title and a hat-trick of consecutive titles after 2023 and 2024 triumphs.
Shilanand Lakra equalised in the 42nd minute, Dilpreet Singh made it 2-1 in the 47th minute, Jugraj Singh made it 3-1 in the 52nd minute and Vivek Sagar Prasad sealed the 4-1 win in the 53rd minute. Four goals in the final 18 minutes turned the final on its head.
Goalkeeper Krishan Bahadur Pathak was declared the Goalkeeper of the Tournament. His brilliant saves in crucial moments, especially against penalty corners in the league match against Malaysia and South Korea, kept India unbeaten throughout.
India’s triumph in Punjab is not just a title. It is a statement – that Indian hockey, led by Harmanpreet Singh and guarded by Krishan Bahadur Pathak, is at the top of Asia and ready for the Los Angeles Olympics 2028.
