India beats Japan 4-1 to win sixth Asian Champions Trophy

Japan takes early lead in Mohali final

Kazumasa Matsumoto scored the opening goal with a reverse flick that went past goalkeeper Suraj Karkera.

Japan maintained an aggressive play style and disciplined defence during the opening two quarters to unsettle the Indian hosts. India trailed 0-1 when the teams reached the halftime break.

A Facebook reel documenting the final runs for 25 minutes and 57 seconds and features Japan's Yuzuno Watanabe.

India's second-half comeback surge

A technical issue caused a short delay before the second half resumed.

India equalised in the 42nd minute when Aditya Lalage delivered a reverse-flick pass to Shilanand Lakra, who scored from close range. The goal stood after a review.

India's second goal came from a penalty corner where Harmanpreet Singh passed to Shilanand Lakra, who slotted the ball in after a review confirmed the goal.

Dilpreet Singh and Jugraj Singh extend lead

Japan were awarded a penalty corner after a foul in which Harmanpreet Singh pushed Raiki Fujishima inside the striking circle; the TV umpire gave the decision in Japan's favour. Live updates showed the score at 50 minutes was India 2-1 Japan.

India took a 2-1 lead after a moment of magic from Dilpreet Singh. Dilpreet Singh gave India the lead with an inventive turn-and-shoot goal.

In the 49th minute Hardik Singh recovered the ball inside the circle and assisted Dilpreet Singh, who scored with his back to goal, giving India a 2-1 lead.

India's second goal was scored by Dilpreet Singh. Jugraj Singh increased the lead by converting a penalty-corner drag-flick to make it 3-1.

Jugraj Singh scored a drag-flick from a penalty corner in the 53rd minute after Vivek Sagar Prasad’s midfield interception, extending the lead to 3-1. Jugraj Singh’s drag-flick came from a penalty corner delivered by Abhishek, sealing the comeback victory.

Vivek Sagar Prasad seals 4-1 victory

The final score was India 4, Japan 1.

The fourth goal was scored after Nilakanta Sharma collected a loose ball, Shilanand's shot was saved, and Vivek struck a strong half-volley to make it 4-1. Vivek Sagar Prasad capped the victory with a low finish through the Japanese goalkeeper’s legs, completing the 4-1 scoreline.

Captain Harmanpreet Singh leads team performance

Captain Harmanpreet Singh led the Indian team throughout the final match.

Japan goalkeeper Kisho Kuroda made several key saves against the Indian captain. Kuroda stopped penalty corner attempts from Harmanpreet Singh during the match.

India earned a penalty corner in the 33rd minute with Hardik Singh injecting the ball. Harmanpreet Singh took the drag flick, but it hit the Japanese goalkeeper.

Hardik Singh also supplied an injection for another drag flick from Harmanpreet Singh that the Japanese goalkeeper saved. An earlier penalty corner referral by Hardik Singh was turned down by the video umpire, which cost India a chance to equalize. Kuroda also saved attempts from Sukhjeet Singh.

Atmosphere and dignitaries at the stadium

The final match took place at the Olympian Balbir Singh International Stadium in Mohali. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann greeted the Indian athletes individually on the turf before the match started.

A jam-packed crowd attended the event in Mohali. After the win, the stadium erupted with chants of "Chak De India!" and fireworks lit up the sky.

Unbeaten run to the championship

India entered the final unbeaten after winning all five of their league-stage matches.

Rene Karabash said, "A voice appeared out of nowhere and wanted to tell this story".