Hockey / Odisha's Shilanand Lakra shines as India beat Japan to win sixth Asian Champions Trophy
·16 mins ago·2 min read
Key Points
Odisha hockey star Shilanand Lakra played a key role in India's 4-1 victory over Japan in the Men's Asian Champions Trophy 2026 final at Mohali. Lakra scored the crucial equaliser in the 42nd minute and was named Man of the Match as India clinched its sixth title and completed a hat-trick of consecutive championships.
Bhubaneswar, Nov 6: Odisha hockey player Shilanand Lakra emerged as one of the heroes of India's historic triumph in the Men's Asian Champions Trophy 2026, scoring the equaliser against Japan and earning the Man of the Match award in the final.
India defeated Japan 4-1 in the final at Mohali on Thursday to lift the continental title for a record-extending sixth time. The victory also completed a hat-trick of consecutive titles for the Indian team, following its triumphs in 2023 and 2024.
The final did not begin on a promising note for the hosts, as Japan took an early lead through Kazumasa Matsumoto in the third minute. India struggled to break through Japan's disciplined defence in the opening half and went into the break trailing 0-1.
Japan also earned two consecutive penalty corners in the 20th minute, but India's defence stood firm to prevent another goal. Vice-captain Hardik Singh, playing his 200th international match, impressed in midfield, while Jarmanpreet Singh played a crucial role in defence.
India defeated Japan 4-1 in the final at Mohali on Thursday to lift the continental title for a record-extending sixth time. The victory also completed a hat-trick of consecutive titles for the Indian team, following its triumphs in 2023 and 2024.
The final did not begin on a promising note for the hosts, as Japan took an early lead through Kazumasa Matsumoto in the third minute. India struggled to break through Japan's disciplined defence in the opening half and went into the break trailing 0-1.
Japan also earned two consecutive penalty corners in the 20th minute, but India's defence stood firm to prevent another goal. Vice-captain Hardik Singh, playing his 200th international match, impressed in midfield, while Jarmanpreet Singh played a crucial role in defence.
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India stepped up their attacking efforts after the interval. Captain Harmanpreet Singh's powerful flick from a penalty corner in the 33rd minute was saved by Japanese goalkeeper Kisho Kuroda.
The breakthrough finally came in the 42nd minute. Following consecutive penalty corners, Shilanand Lakra found the net to restore parity at 1-1 and bring India back into the contest.
India took the lead in the 48th minute when Dilpreet Singh converted a fine pass from Hardik Singh to make it 2-1.
The hosts extended their advantage in the 53rd minute through Jugraj Singh, who produced a powerful drag-flick from a penalty corner. A minute later, Vivek Sagar Prasad scored India's fourth goal to seal the 4-1 victory.
Lakra's equaliser proved particularly significant as the Odisha forward was also recognised for his performance in the final with the Man of the Match award.
With this victory, India secured its sixth Asian Champions Trophy crown, adding to its previous titles in 2011, 2016, 2018, 2023 and 2024. The latest triumph further extended India's record as the most successful team in the tournament's history.
The breakthrough finally came in the 42nd minute. Following consecutive penalty corners, Shilanand Lakra found the net to restore parity at 1-1 and bring India back into the contest.
India took the lead in the 48th minute when Dilpreet Singh converted a fine pass from Hardik Singh to make it 2-1.
The hosts extended their advantage in the 53rd minute through Jugraj Singh, who produced a powerful drag-flick from a penalty corner. A minute later, Vivek Sagar Prasad scored India's fourth goal to seal the 4-1 victory.
Lakra's equaliser proved particularly significant as the Odisha forward was also recognised for his performance in the final with the Man of the Match award.
With this victory, India secured its sixth Asian Champions Trophy crown, adding to its previous titles in 2011, 2016, 2018, 2023 and 2024. The latest triumph further extended India's record as the most successful team in the tournament's history.
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