India vs Japan: Head-to-Head record in Men's Hockey

From stunning victories to unforgettable moments, get the inside scoop on every major story in the sports world.

Published at :September 2, 2025 at 7:11 PM

Modified at :September 2, 2025 at 7:11 PM

India vs Japan hockey rivalry has been one-sided affair, with Men in Blue dominating the head-to-head record

The Indian national men’s hockey team is one of the most storied and successful teams in the history of the sport. They hold the record for the most Olympic gold medals, with eight victories. Their golden era however faded back in the 1980s but when it comes to continental rivalries, the Men in Blue still carry an aura of dominance.

Against Japan, India enjoy a massive gap in the head-to-head record. Even in recent form, the Men in Blue showed their dominance, edging past the Samurais 3-2 at the Men’s Hockey Asia Cup 2025 in Rajgir.

India remained unbeaten in the group stage, topping Pool A with nine points to seal their place in the Super 4 stage. Japan, on the other hand, ended their campaign despite a huge 7-0 win over Kazakhstan and a 2-2 draw with China.

Also Read: Men’s Hockey Asia Cup 2025 Points Table: India, Malaysia top respective pools; join China, Korea in Super 4 stage

A narrow 3-2 loss to the hosts India, combined with China’s superior goal difference, left Japan third in Pool A and out of contention for the Super 4s in the 2025 Asia Cup.

The Samurai Japan have been struggling to shine at the major tournaments. Their lone Olympic medal remains a silver medal in 1932. Since then, results have been modest, 11th at Tokyo 2020 and 10th in Paris 2024.

In Asian tournaments, Japan have frequently grown in stature. Their greatest victory came with a historic gold at the 2018 Asian Games. They’ve also been consistent in the Asia Cup, with multiple fourth-place finishes, and in the Asian Champions Trophy, where they’ve earned two silvers and a bronze. But, no gold yet.

Overall Head to Head record, India vs Japan

Matches: 97
India Wins: 86
Japan Wins: 06
Draws: 05

India vs Japan in Hockey World Cup

Matches: 2
India Wins: 1
Japan Wins: 0
Draws: 1

India vs Japan in the last three games

Matches: 3
India Wins: 3
Japan Wins: 0
Draws: 0

India in Hockey World Cup

Matches: 99
Wins: 42
Loss: 42
Draws: 15

Japan in Hockey World Cup

Matches: 31
Wins: 09
Loss: 18
Draws: 04

Who have dominated the India vs Japan hockey rivalry?

India have largely dominated, winning 86 of their 97 encounters, while Japan has only six victories and five draws.

How have India and Japan fared in the Hockey World Cup?

The teams have met twice in World Cup history. India won one match and the other ended in a draw, with Japan yet to secure a World Cup win against India.

When was the last time India vs Japan clash took place?

The latest encounter came at the 2025 Hockey Asia Cup in Rajgir, where India edged past Japan 3-2 in a tightly fought battle.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram

Saurabh Anand

Where passion meets insight — blending breaking news, in-depth strategic analysis, viral moments, and jaw-dropping plays into powerful sports content designed to entertain, inform, and keep you connected to your favorite teams and athletes. Expect daily updates, expert commentary and coverage that never leaves a fan behind.