New Delhi, 12 October (H.S.): The Indian men’s hockey team is the most successful side in the history of the Asian Champions Trophy, having won the prestigious tournament five times since its inception in 2011. With an eye on a record-extending sixth title, India will return to action when the Hero Asian Champions Trophy Punjab 2026 is held in Jalandhar and Mohali from October 27 to November 5.

India have claimed five titles across the tournament’s eight editions, establishing themselves as a dominant force in Asian hockey. Their triumphs have come under different circumstances, from a dramatic shootout victory in the inaugural edition to a successful title defence against China in 2024. These achievements underline India’s consistency and resilience in the continental competition.

The Indian team recently created history by successfully defending its Asian Games gold medal for the first time. The side will now look to carry that momentum into the Asian Champions Trophy and reinforce its standing in Asian hockey.

2011: India Beat Pakistan to Become Inaugural Champions

The inaugural edition of the Asian Champions Trophy was held in Ordos, China, in 2011, featuring India, China, Malaysia, Pakistan, South Korea and Japan.

India faced arch-rivals Pakistan in the final. With neither side managing to score during regulation time, the match was decided by a shootout, in which India prevailed 4-2. The victory crowned India the tournament’s first-ever champions and laid the foundation for their subsequent success.

2016: India Claim Their Second Title

After a three-year gap, the Asian Champions Trophy returned in 2016, with the tournament staged in Kuantan, Malaysia.

India once again faced Pakistan in the final and produced a commanding performance to secure a 3-2 victory, clinching their second title. Rupinder Pal Singh, Affan Yousuf and Nikkin Thimmaiah scored for India.

The triumph further strengthened India’s position in the competition and reinforced their credentials as one of Asia’s leading hockey nations.

2018: India and Pakistan Share the Title

India secured their third Asian Champions Trophy title at the fifth edition, held in Muscat, Oman, in 2018, although the final ended in unusual circumstances.

India and Pakistan reached the title clash, but persistent rain prevented the match from being completed. Both teams were subsequently declared joint winners, adding a third title to India’s tally.

2023: India Stage a Remarkable Comeback Against Malaysia

India hosted the Asian Champions Trophy for the first time in 2023, with the seventh edition held at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium in Chennai.

The hosts faced Malaysia in the final and found themselves trailing after a difficult first half, with Malaysia taking a 3-1 lead.

India, however, mounted a spirited comeback in the final 16 minutes. Goals from captain Harmanpreet Singh, Gurjant Singh and Akashdeep Singh helped the hosts turn the match around and secure a thrilling 4-3 victory.

The triumph gave India their fourth Asian Champions Trophy title and made them the tournament’s most successful team outright.

2024: India Defend Their Crown Against China

India successfully defended their title at the eighth edition of the Asian Champions Trophy, held in Hulunbuir, China, in 2024.

The Indian team faced hosts China in the final in a closely contested encounter. Jugraj Singh scored the decisive goal to guide India to a narrow 1-0 victory, securing their fifth title in the competition.

The win further consolidated India’s record as the most successful team in Asian Champions Trophy history.

India Set Sights on a Sixth Title in Punjab

India’s five titles in eight editions reflect the team’s sustained success and ability to deliver in high-pressure situations. From a shootout victory in the inaugural final to sharing the title in 2018, staging a remarkable comeback in 2023 and defending the crown in 2024, India have prevailed under a variety of circumstances.

The ninth edition, scheduled to take place in Jalandhar and Mohali from October 27 to November 5, will present the Indian team with another opportunity to extend its record and claim a sixth Asian Champions Trophy title.

With the tournament returning to Indian soil, the hosts will aim to build on their recent continental achievements and continue their impressive run in one of Asia’s premier men’s hockey competitions.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar