Five-star Indian hockey team enters Asian Champions Trophy as tournament's most successful side

New Delhi: The Indian men's hockey team will enter this month's Asian Champions Trophy (ACT) in Punjab as the most successful side of the tournament, having won the title five times since its inception in 2011.

India's triumphs include a dramatic shootout victory in the inaugural edition to defending their crown in China in 2024. The upcoming edition begins on October 27 and will be conducted in Jalandhar and Mohali till November 5.

Here is a brief account of India's five ACT triumphs in the tournament's eight editions so far.

A winning start in 2011

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

Facing arch-rivals Pakistan in the final, India held their opponents to a 0-0 draw in regulation time before prevailing 4-2 in the shootout. The hard-fought victory crowned India the tournament's first champions.

A second title in Kuantan

After its 2013 edition, the ACT paused for three years before returning in 2016 in Kuantan, Malaysia.

Also read | Pakistan pulls out of Hockey Asian Champions Trophy 2026 to be held in Punjab

The six participating teams once again included India, Pakistan, South Korea, Japan, Malaysia and China.

India reached the final and faced Pakistan. Producing a determined performance, India secured a 3-2 victory to claim their second Asian Champions Trophy title, with Rupinder Pal Singh, Affan Yousuf and Nikkin Thimmaiah scoring for the winners.

Joint winners in Muscat in 2018

India's third title came under unusual circumstances at the fifth edition in Muscat, Oman, in 2018. The competition featured India, Japan, Malaysia, Oman, Pakistan and South Korea.

India and Pakistan progressed to the final, but persistent rain prevented the match from being completed. Consequently, the two teams were declared joint winners. While the result differed from a conventional final victory, India added another title to their record.

A memorable comeback in Chennai, 2023

India hosted the ACT for the first time in the tournament's seventh edition in 2023 in Chennai and returned to the top of the podium.

Playing in front of home supporters at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium, the hosts faced Malaysia in the final. India found themselves trailing but mounted an impressive comeback to secure a 4-3 victory.

Also read | Sports ministry forms seven-member committee for Hockey India League revival

Malaysia were leading 3-1 at half-time, but goals from Harmanpreet Singh, Gurjant Singh and Akashdeep Singh in the last 16 minutes turned the match on its head.

The result earned India their fourth title and made them the most successful team in the tournament's history.

Record-extending glory in China, 2024

India carried that momentum into the eighth edition in Hulunbuir, China. Seeking to defend their crown, India navigated the competition and set up a final against the hosts at the Moqi Hockey Training Base.

In a closely-contested encounter, Jugraj Singh scored the decisive goal to secure a 1-0 win.