New Delhi, 12th October 2026: The Indian men’s team’s journey in the Asian Champions Trophy (ACT) has been a story of consistency, resilience and an enduring ability to deliver. Since the tournament’s inception in 2011, the Indian team has established itself as the most successful side in its history, winning the title five times.
From a dramatic shootout victory in the inaugural edition to defending their crown in China in 2024, India’s triumphs reflect the team’s sustained presence at the top of Asian hockey and its ability to rise to different challenges across editions.
Having recently created history with first successful defence of their Asian Games gold medal, the team will step onto the pitch once again later this month, when the ninth edition of the ACT – the Hero Asian Champions Trophy Punjab 2026 – will be hosted in Jalandhar and Mohali from October 27 to November 5.
Building up to the tournament, here’s a brief account of India’s unmatched five ACT triumphs 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. India made an immediate mark on the competition, setting the tone for what would become a remarkable record. 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 Crown in Kuantan
After its 2013 edition, the ACT paused for three years before returning in 2016 in Kuantan, Malaysia. The six participating teams once again included India, Pakistan, South Korea, Japan, Malaysia and China, setting the stage for another competitive edition. India reached the final and faced Pakistan in a contest that lived up to the rivalry between the two sides. 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. The triumph reinforced India’s standing as a formidable force in the tournament.
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 in 2023
India hosted the ACT for the first time for 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. 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 tables on the Malaysians. The result earned India their fourth title and made them the most successful team in the tournament’s history.
Record-Extending Glory in China in 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. The victory gave India their fifth Asian Champions Trophy title and extended their record at the top of the tournament’s honours list.
Five titles across eight editions underline India’s remarkable consistency in the Men’s Asian Champions Trophy. Each triumph has carried its own story, whether through a shootout, a narrow final, shared honours or a comeback under pressure.
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