India defeats Japan 4-1 to top Asian Champions Trophy pool

India secured a 4-1 victory over Japan in the third preliminary match of the Asian Champions Trophy 2026 at the Surjit Hockey Stadium in Jalandhar. The hosts opened the scoring in the first quarter when Abhishek Nain finished a well-executed team move. Japan equalised moments before the quarter ended from a penalty stroke, leaving the teams level at 1-1.

The match remained deadlocked through the second quarter and most of the third, with both sides trading chances but failing to break the tie. In the final 15 minutes, India surged ahead, with captain Harmanpreet Singh converting a penalty corner to make it 2-1. Nain added a second goal for India, and Vishnukant Singh completed the scoring, sealing a 4-1 win.

The result puts India back on top of the pool standings, while Japan records its first loss of the tournament.