India vs Japan Final Live Updates, Men's Hockey Asian Champions Trophy 2026: Japan take shock lead in first quarter
India beat Japan 4-1 in the league stage
6:45 pm: Hello and welcome to Khel Now’s live blog for the India vs Japan final match in Men’s Hockey Asian Champions Trophy 2026. Please wait for the blog to load!
The India men’s hockey team face Japan in the title match of the Men’s Hockey Asian Champions Trophy 2026, hoping to successfully retain their title on home soil. India are two-time defending champions and have lifted the trophy five times in eight editions, while Japan finished runners-up in 2013 and 2021.
Not only are Craig Fulton’s side the outright favourites, but also beat Japan 4-1 when both these teams clashed in the league phase earlier in the tournament.
Also Read: Men’s Asian Champions Trophy: Full list of title winners
Abhishek scored a brace while captain Harmanpreet and youngster Vishnu Kant Singh also found the net for India.
Japan has since bounced back from that defeat and unbeaten in their last three matches. India are unbeaten in the tournament so far and have a perfect record with six wins from six matches.
The hosts annihilated South Korea 8-1 in the semi-finals to make it three successive finals in the tournament while Japan overcame Malaysia on penalties after goalless draw in regulation-time.
Where and when will India vs Japan final match take place in Men’s Hockey Asian Champions Trophy 2026?
The title match between India and Japan will be played at the Olympian Balbir Singh Senior International Hockey Stadium in Mohali on November 5 (Thursday). It is scheduled to begin at 7 pm IST.
What is the head-to-head record between India and Japan in last five meetings?
India have a clear 5-0 lead in last five meetings, having won each of the last five encounters.
What is the prediction for the India vs Japan final match in Men’s Hockey Asian Champions Trophy 2026?
India are the outright favourites to win the final and successfully retain the title. The two-time defending champions and five-time winners overall are unbeaten in the tournament with a perfect record. India also thrashed Japan 4-1 when both these teams clashed in the league phase earlier.
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