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India won gold in Men’s Under-18 Asia Cup, defeated Japan in the final thanks to Ashish’s hat-trick.

By Sandy Verma

New Delhi. On Friday, the Indian Under-18 men’s hockey team won the title by defeating host Japan 4-1 in the final of the Under-18 Asia Cup 2026 played in Kakamigahara, Japan. Ashish Tani Purti (2′, 28′, 34′) scored a hat-trick. Captain Ketan Kushwaha (30′) also scored a goal. India won the title by performing brilliantly against the host team. Numada Gaku (52′) scored the only goal for Japan.

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Money rains on players

Hockey India announced a cash prize of Rs 3 lakh to each player of the gold medal-winning Indian Under-18 men’s hockey team and Rs 1.5 lakh to each member of the support staff. Hockey India also announced a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh to each player of the bronze medal-winning Indian Under-18 women’s hockey team and Rs 50,000 to each member of the support staff.

scored a goal in the second minute

India dominated the match early on and won a penalty corner within the first 90 seconds. Ashish Tani Purti gave India an early lead in the second minute with brilliant finishing. Japan strengthened its hold in the second quarter and challenged India by entering the penalty corner four times, but the Indian defense stood firm throughout and the first quarter ended with a 1-0 lead.

Despite continuous pressure from the host team in the second quarter, India further strengthened its lead. Japan earned their first penalty corner and looked dangerous, but the equalizer eluded them.

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3 goals till half time

India won a penalty corner in the 28th minute. Ashish Tani Purti once again showed a brilliant game and made a powerful shot to make the score 2-0. Prahlad Rajbhar snatched the ball in a dangerous area, moved forward quickly and passed the pass to captain Ketan Kushwaha (30th minute), who easily scored the goal to give India a 3-0 lead at half time.

Ashish was the hero of the match

India’s aggressive play continued in the third quarter also. Varinder Singh’s brilliant running led to another penalty corner and Ashish Tani Purti completed his hat-trick with a precise finish in the 34th minute to give India a strong 4-0 lead.

Japan fought hard in the last quarter and in the 52nd minute, Numada Gaku converted a penalty kick to make the score 4–1. Ashish Tani was given the Player of the Match award for his excellent performance.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on Twitter that great achievement by our young hockey players!

Indian Under-18 men’s hockey team won gold medal by Hockey India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on Instagram that great achievement by our young hockey players! Congratulations to the Indian Men’s U18 Hockey Team on winning the Men’s U18 Asia Cup 2026. The team displayed excellent skill and teamwork throughout the tournament, culminating in a memorable victory in the finals. This victory also reflects the growing popularity of hockey among our youth. My best wishes to the team for their future endeavours.

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