India vs Japan: Abhishek Brace Powers Hosts to 4-1 Win in Asian Champions Trophy
Image: Hockey India
Jalandhar, October 30: India extended their perfect start at the Hero Asian Champions Trophy Punjab 2026 with a 4-1 victory over Japan at the Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium on Friday, making it three wins from three and confirming their place in the semifinals. Abhishek Nain marked his 150th international appearance with two goals, while captain Harmanpreet Singh and Vishnukant Singh also found the net for the hosts.
Japan made the brighter start and earned a penalty corner in the second minute, but Ken Nagayoshi could not make the opportunity count. India took time to settle into the contest, with the link between midfield and attack lacking its usual fluency in the opening exchanges. The breakthrough eventually arrived in the 11th minute after a well-worked move involving Hardik Singh and Sukhjeet Singh, with Abhishek applying the finish to give India a 1-0 lead.
Japan responded well and were rewarded late in the first quarter. After earning successive penalty corners, they were awarded a penalty stroke when the ball struck Sanjay inside the circle. Shota Yamada converted in the 15th minute to bring the visitors level, and Japan’s compact defensive shape continued to make life difficult for the Indian forwards. India did not earn a single penalty corner in the first half, and the teams went into the break tied at 1-1.
The third quarter followed a similar pattern, with India seeing more of the ball but finding it difficult to break through Japan’s organisation. Hardik created a good opening for Sukhjeet soon after the restart, while Shilanand Lakra later tested goalkeeper Takumi Kitagawa with a reverse hit. Japan also remained dangerous from set pieces, but neither side could find the goal that would separate them before the final quarter.
India finally moved ahead in the 47th minute after earning their first penalty corner of the match. Harmanpreet made the opportunity count with a powerful low drag-flick to give the hosts a 2-1 lead. The goal changed the rhythm of the match, with India beginning to press higher and move the ball with greater purpose in the attacking third.
Abhishek added his second goal in the 51st minute after another flowing attacking move, giving India the cushion they had been looking for. Vishnukant then completed the scoring in the 56th minute after controlling an accurate aerial pass from Harmanpreet before finishing from open play to make it 4-1.
The final scoreline was comfortable, but India had to remain patient for three quarters before pulling away. Japan defended well for long periods and kept the hosts away from clear scoring chances, but India’s greater quality in the final quarter ultimately decided the contest. Captain Harmanpreet later pointed to patience and composure as key factors in the win, while head coach Craig Fulton also highlighted India’s improved press after the break.
The victory was India’s third successive win of the tournament after earlier victories over Bangladesh and China, and it secured their place in the semifinals. India will next face Malaysia on November 1 in their fourth league-stage match.
