Punjab puts Indian hockey back in global spotlight

Punjab’s ambitions to become a major destination for international hockey received a boost as India beat Japan 4-1 in the final of the Hero Asian Champions Trophy Punjab 2026 on November 5.

The tournament, attended by former Indian World Cup winners, Olympians and international hockey stars, also brought international attention to two of Punjab’s historic venues: the Olympian Balbir Singh Senior Hockey Stadium in Mohali and the Olympian Surjit Hockey Stadium in Jalandhar.

India maintained a perfect record throughout the tournament, winning all seven matches. After claiming five victories in the league stage in Jalandhar, Indian team carried their victory into Mohali and won the semi-final and final. The victory took India’s tally to six Asian Champions Trophy titles and completed a hat-trick of successive wins after their triumphs in 2023 and 2024.

A Final To Remember

Japan stunned India with an early goal through Kazumasa Matsumoto in the 3rd minute and led 1-0 at half-time. But champions responded like champions.

Shilanand Lakra equalised in the 42nd minute, Dilpreet Singh made it 2-1 in the 47th minute, Jugraj Singh made it 3-1 in the 52nd minute and Vivek Sagar Prasad sealed the 4-1 win in the 53rd minute. Four goals in the final 18 minutes turned the final on its head.

In the bronze medal match, Malaysia beat South Korea 5-2 to finish third.

Harmanpreet Singh – Hero Of The Tournament

Indian Skipper Harmanpreet Singh was the undisputed star of the tournament.

He was adjudged the Best player of the Tournament and also finished as the Top Scorer with 10 goals. His 10th goal in the tournament took his tally of senior international goals to a landmark 250 goals.

Whether it was the hat-trick against Malaysia in the league stage, the drag-flicks under pressure, or his calm leadership in the final, Harmanpreet led from the front in every match.

Krishan Bahadur Pathak – The Wall

Goalkeeper Krishan Bahadur Pathak was declared the Goalkeeper of the Tournament. His brilliant saves in crucial moments especially against penalty corners in the league match against Malaysia and South Korea, kept India unbeaten throughout.

Mohali Makes a Roaring Global Debut

The Olympian Balbir Singh Senior Hockey Stadium, Mohali, hosting its first-ever international tournament, made its debut on the global sports stage with oud bang.

A packed house, electric atmosphere, world-class facilities and flawless organisation for the semi-finals, Bronze medal match and the final earned Mohali praise from teams, officials and fans from across Asia.

Jalandhar Wins Hearts

The Olympian Surjit Hockey Stadium, Jalandhar, where the league phase was held, too gathered a lot of international attention and acclaim. From India’s 13-0 opening win over Bangladesh to the 4-2 thriller against Malaysia, Jalandhar witnessed packed stands and passionate crowds every evening.

Together, Jalandhar and Mohali proved that Punjab is not just the nursery of Indian hockey, but also ready to host the biggest events in world hockey with its claim to host 2030 World Cup solidified.

India’s triumph in Punjab is not just a title. It is a statement – that Indian hockey, led by Harmanpreet Singh and guarded by Krishan Bahadur Pathak, is at the top of Asia and ready for the Los Angeles Olympics 2028.