India have dominated the men’s Asian Champions Trophy over the years, winning five of the eight editions held so far. The defending champions will now look to extend that record and secure a sixth title when the 2026 tournament takes place in Punjab from October 27 to November 5.
The ninth edition of the competition will be hosted in Jalandhar and Mohali, giving India the advantage of playing on home soil as they aim to add another continental trophy to their collection.
India’s journey to five titles has featured several memorable moments, from a shootout triumph against Pakistan in the inaugural edition to a dramatic comeback against Malaysia and a narrow victory over China in the most recent final. Their record also includes a shared championship following a rain-hit final in 2018.
India began their Asian Champions Trophy journey on a winning note in Ordos, China, in 2011. After a goalless final against Pakistan, the Indian team held its nerve in the shootout to secure a 4-2 victory and become the tournament’s first champions. The inaugural competition featured six teams.
India captured their second title in 2016 in Kuantan, Malaysia, once again overcoming Pakistan in the final. Rupinder Pal Singh, Affan Yousuf and Nikkin Thimmaiah found the net in a closely contested 3-2 victory, adding another chapter to the rivalry between the two sides.
The 2018 tournament in Muscat, Oman, ended without a clear winner. India and Pakistan reached the final, but persistent rain prevented the match from being completed. Both teams were declared joint champions, taking India’s overall title count to three.
India returned to the top in 2023 when Chennai hosted the tournament for the first time. Facing Malaysia in the final at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium, the hosts found themselves trailing 1-3 at half-time before producing a remarkable turnaround to win 4-3.
Harmanpreet Singh, Gurjant Singh and Akashdeep Singh scored during the final 16 minutes as India overturned the deficit to claim their fourth title. The triumph also established India as the competition’s most successful team outright.
The defending champions added a fifth crown in 2024 in Hulunbuir, China. India faced the hosts in the final at the Moqi Hockey Training Base, where Jugraj Singh scored the decisive goal in a 1-0 victory. The result allowed India to retain the title and strengthen their position at the top of the tournament’s honours list.
With five championships already secured, India will head into the 2026 edition aiming to continue their remarkable run. Playing in front of home supporters in Punjab, the team will have an opportunity to extend its record and add another milestone to its Asian Champions Trophy history.