India create history with hat-trick of Asian Champions Trophy hockey titles

India defeated Japan 4-1 in Men's Asian Champions Trophy 2026 final in Mohali on Thursday to become the first team to complete a hat-trick of titles. Japan took the lead through Kazumasa Matsumoto in the third minute before Shilanand Lakra equalised in the 42nd minute. India scored three more goals in the final quarter to claim their sixth crown overall.