Hockey: India vs Japan last five meetings

India vs Japan in men’s hockey has been a one-sided rivalry.

The Indian men’s hockey team recently emerged as the winners of the Asia Cup and qualified for the 2026 World Cup. Meanwhile, Japan would need to return with better performance in the Qualifiers to compete in the global event.

Historically, India and Japan have clashed against each other on 97 occasions. The Men in Blue have dominated head-to-head records after emerging victorious in 86 of them.

Their biggest victory came in the Los Angeles Olympics in 1932, where the Indian hockey team thrashed Japan 11-1, with four goals coming from Major Dhyanchand.

When talking about their recent five meetings, India have dominated with wins in all games. Let’s discuss in depth what transpired in these games and who were the best performers for both teams.

India vs Japan last five hockey meetings:

#1 India 3-2 Japan (August 31, 2025) – Men’s Asia Cup 2025

The most recent meeting between India and Japan took place at the Asia Cup 2025 in Rajgir, Bihar. In the fourth minute, Amit Rohidas found Abhishek for a perfect pass, as the latter scored the first goal for the hosts in the fourth minute.

In the next minute, drag-flick specialist and captain Harmanpreet Singh converted the penalty corner. Japan finally managed to find a breakthrough in the 38th minute from Kosei Kawabe. Eight minutes later, Harmanpreet helped India go 3-1 up through a successful penalty corner.

Although Kawabe scored another goal in the 59th minute, it was too late for the visitors. With this victory, India progressed to the Super 4 stage and also went on to win the tournament.

Hosts India continue its winning momentum in Men's Hockey Asia Cup 2025! 🇮🇳🔥🔥Captain @13harmanpreet scored a brace while Mandeep netted the opener in the victory over Japan. 😍The win also propels India to top of the points standings in Pool A ahead of China🇨🇳 and Japan🇯🇵.… pic.twitter.com/QJAwRCbFqm

— Khel Now (@KhelNow) August 31, 2025

#2 India 5–1 Japan (September 9, 2024) – Asian Champions Trophy

India met Japan in the group stage of the Asian Champions Trophy 2024 in Hulunbuir, China. Sukhjeet Singh opened the account for India in only the second minute, while Abhishek stunned the Japanese outfit with another goal a minute later.

Sanjay Rana scored the third goal in the 17th minute to help India extend their dominance. Kazumasa Matsumoto (41′) scored the only goal for Japan, before India hit the bullseye in the 54th minute. As a result, India won the game 5-1.

#3 India 5–1 Japan (October 6, 2023) – Asian Games final

The Indian hockey team faced a challenge of Japan at the Asian Games 2023 for a gold medal game in Hangzhou, China. After a goalless opening quarter, India tried well with their offense, but the Japanese defense pushed them hard.

Manpreet Singh finally scored the first goal for India in the 25th minute. Seven minutes later, Harmanpreet Singh converted a penalty corner and Amit Rohidas followed in the 36th minute as India went 3-0 up.

Abhishek (48’) extended the lead for India, before Seren Tanaka provided the only breakthrough for Japan in the 51st minute. Harmanpreet scored his second goal in the 59th minute to eventually help India win the gold medal. The victory also helped the side secure a berth at the Paris Olympics.

#4 India 4–2 Japan (September 28, 2023) – Asian Games group stage

In the group stage of the Asian Games, India and Japan were slotted in the same pool. In their third fixture, India locked horns against Samurai Japan.

Abhishek opened the scoring for India in the 13th minute, and Mandeep (24′) followed him soon. In the 34th minute, Amit Rohidas successfully dragged the ball into the nets to stretch India’s lead to 3-0.

Also Read: Hockey: India vs South Korea last five meetings

Abhishek hit another goal in the 48th minute to help India score their fourth goal. Although Japan tried well with goals from Genki Mitani (57′) and Ryosei Kato (60′), the game ended in favor of India.

#5 India 5–0 Japan (August 11, 2023) – Asian Champions Trophy Semi-final

India clashed with Japan in the semifinal of the 2023 Asian Champions Trophy in Chennai. Although both teams couldn’t open their account in the first quarter, Akashdeep Singh scored the first goal for India in the 19th minute.

Harmanpreet Singh (23′) and Mandeep Singh (30′) hit another two goals to help India finish 3-0 at the end of the first half. Sumit Walmiki (39′) and Karthi Selvam (61′) were the other scorers as India claimed a resounding 5-0 victory. Then, the Indian team went on to win the tournament by beating Malaysia 4-3.

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