"We Stuck to Our Plan for 60 Minutes": Harmanpreet After India Clinch Record 6th Asian Champions Trophy

India men's hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh credited his team's composure, patience and adherence to their game plan after the hosts defeated Japan 4-1 in the final of the Asian Champions Trophy 2026 at the Olympian Balbir Singh Senior International Hockey Stadium in Mohali on Thursday.

India recovered from an early deficit to secure their sixth title in the tournament's history, completing a hat-trick of consecutive triumphs after their victories in 2023 and 2024. The defending champions also finished the campaign unbeaten, winning all seven matches.

Speaking after the final, Harmanpreet said the team remained committed to its strategy throughout the 60-minute contest, regardless of the scoreline.

"Our target and focus remained the same: to stay focused for the entire 60 minutes. Regardless of the score, we stuck to the plan we were given. We will definitely deliver a strong performance. In the final quarter, we managed to score some good goals. The outcome was the same, and it really comes down to how patiently you react to situations and how calm you remain," he told ANI.

He added that the entire team maintained its composure and produced some excellent goals towards the end of the match.

INDIA RECOVER FROM EARLY SETBACK TO BEAT JAPAN

Japan gave the hosts an early scare when Kazumasa Matsumoto scored a brilliant backhand goal in the third minute to put the visitors ahead. Japan maintained its 1-0 advantage until half-time, leaving India with work to do after the break.

The hosts gradually found their rhythm in the second half, with Shilanand Lakra restoring parity in the 42nd minute through a penalty-corner variation involving Harmanpreet.

Dilpreet Singh put India ahead in the 47th minute before Jugraj Singh extended the lead in the 52nd minute with a powerful drag-flick. Vivek Sagar Prasad struck a minute later to complete the comeback and seal India's 4-1 victory.

MANDEEP THANKS HOME CROWD FOR SUPPORT

India forward Mandeep Singh expressed happiness at winning consecutive titles and credited the spectators for turning up in large numbers to support the team.

"It feels great that we have won back-to-back gold medals. Both teams were playing very well, and our second half went very well," Mandeep told ANI.

He also thanked the crowd, noting that the final witnessed an exceptional turnout in Punjab.

"I thank everyone who came here to watch the match, because this is the first time such a large crowd has gathered in Punjab," he added.

RANI RAMPAL HIGHLIGHTS SIGNIFICANCE OF HOSTING TOURNAMENT IN PUNJAB

Former India women's hockey captain Rani Rampal, who attended the final and medal distribution ceremony, said playing an international tournament on home soil was particularly special in Punjab, a state that has contributed significantly to Indian hockey.

She welcomed the opportunity to witness the tournament in Punjab and highlighted the presence of young spectators and players' families in the stands.

Rani also praised Japan's performance, observing that the visitors had started strongly and appeared well-prepared during the opening two quarters.

However, she said India began to find its traditional attacking rhythm towards the end of the third quarter, which changed the course of the contest.

Rani represented India in 212 international matches and scored 134 goals during her career. She was also the youngest member of the Indian squad at the 2010 World Cup, aged just 15.

INDIA EXTEND RECORD WITH SIXTH TITLE

With the latest triumph, India have won the Asian Champions Trophy in 2011, 2016, 2018 (shared), 2023, 2024 and 2026.

The victory also makes India the first team to complete three consecutive title wins in the tournament. Japan, meanwhile, finished runners-up for the third time, having also lost the finals in 2013 and 2021.

Earlier on Thursday, Malaysia claimed the bronze medal with a 5-2 victory over South Korea after recovering from an early deficit.

With inputs from ANI