Mohali, Nov. 5 -- Defending champions India scripted history by clinching a record-extending 6th Asian Champions Trophy title after producing a stunning comeback to defeat Japan 4-1 in the final played at the Olympian Balbir Singh Senior International Hockey Stadium, Mohali, on Thursday.

With this victory, India completed a hat-trick of consecutive titles, having won in 2023 and 2024 also, and finished the tournament unbeaten with 7 wins from 7 matches, according to a press release.

Japan, playing their third final, gave India a massive scare by taking an early lead. Kazumasa Matsumoto struck a brilliant backhand in the 3rd minute to put Japan 1-0 ahead, and Japan held the lead till half-time.

India fought back strongly after the break...