Punjab's Hosting of Asian Champions Trophy Marks a Golden Milestone on the Global Hockey Map (TIN)
Mohali: A golden chapter has been added to the history of Indian hockey as Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann's vision of establishing Punjab on the global hockey map has become a reality.
With the successful hosting of the ‘Hero Asian Champions Trophy Punjab-2026’ and India's spectacular victory in the presence of former World Cup-winning players, Olympians and international hockey stars, the tournament proved to be a landmark event in Punjab's sporting history. India defeated Japan 4-1 in an exciting final to lift the trophy.
The prestigious tournament was hosted at two historic stadiums in Punjab — the ‘Olympian Balbir Singh Senior Hockey Stadium’ in Mohali and the ‘Olympian Surjit Hockey Stadium’ in Jalandhar.
India remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, winning all seven matches, including five league matches in Jalandhar and the semifinals and final in Mohali. With this victory, India secured the title for the sixth time, setting a record. Following its victories in 2023 and 2024, India also completed a hat-trick of consecutive titles.
Japan took a 1-0 lead in the third minute through a goal by Kazumasa Matsumoto and maintained its advantage until halftime. However, the defending champions responded strongly.
Shilanand Lakra equalized in the 42nd minute. Dilpreet Singh scored in the 47th minute to put India ahead 2-1. Jugraj Singh extended the lead to 3-1 in the 52nd minute, while Vivek Sagar Prasad scored in the 53rd minute to seal India's 4-1 victory.
Four goals in the final 18 minutes completely changed the course of the match. Malaysia defeated South Korea 5-2 to secure third place.
Indian captain Harmanpreet Singh emerged as the star of the tournament. He was named the ‘Best Player of the Tournament’ and also finished as the ‘Top Scorer’ with 10 goals.
With his 10th goal in the tournament, Harmanpreet reached the significant milestone of 250 international goals.
Whether it was his hat-trick against Malaysia during the league stage, outstanding drag-flicks under pressure, or his composed leadership in the final, Harmanpreet led the team brilliantly in every match.
Goalkeeper Krishan Bahadur Pathak was declared the ‘Goalkeeper of the Tournament’. His crucial saves, particularly during penalty corners in the league matches against Malaysia and South Korea, played a vital role in keeping India unbeaten throughout the competition.
The Olympian Balbir Singh Senior Hockey Stadium in Mohali, which hosted an international tournament for the first time, made an impressive debut on the world-class sporting stage.
The packed stadium, enthusiastic atmosphere, world-class facilities and comprehensive arrangements for the semifinals, bronze medal match and final earned Mohali widespread appreciation from teams, officials and fans across Asia.
The Olympian Surjit Hockey Stadium in Jalandhar, which hosted the league matches, also attracted international attention and appreciation.
From India's spectacular 13-0 opening victory against Bangladesh to the thrilling 4-2 encounter against Malaysia, the stadium remained packed every evening, with spectators displaying tremendous enthusiasm.
Jalandhar and Mohali have demonstrated that Punjab is not only the ‘nursery of Indian hockey’ but is also fully prepared to host the biggest international hockey competitions.
This achievement has further strengthened Punjab's claim to host the 2030 Hockey World Cup.
India's victory on Punjab's soil is not merely a championship triumph but also a powerful message that Indian hockey, under the leadership of Harmanpreet Singh and with Krishan Bahadur Pathak guarding the goalpost, remains at the top of Asian hockey and is fully prepared for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
The tournament witnessed the presence of numerous legendary players who brought glory to the nation, ranging from gold medalists of the 1966 Asian Games, the 1975 World Cup and the 1980 Moscow Olympics to players who won the bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
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