New Delhi: The Indian juniors followed in the footsteps of their big brothers by lifting the U-18 Asia Cup Men’s hockey title at Japan’s Kakamigahara.
Ashish Tani Purti’s hat-trick powered India to a 4-1 win over hosts Japan in the final on Saturday. Purti scored in the 2nd, 28th and 34th minute, while captain Ketan Kushwaha sounded the board on the stroke of half-time. Numada Gaku scored a consolation goal for Japan in the 52nd minute.
In the semifinal, the Indian boys recovered from a 2-3 deficit after the third quarter to overcome Pakistan 5-3, thanks to four goals by Purti.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi congratulated the Indian team for the stellar performance.
“A splendid accomplishment 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 exceptional skill and teamwork throughout the tournament, culminating in a memorable victory in the final. This triumph also reflects hockey’s growing popularity among our youth. My best wishes to the team for their future endeavours,” Modi posted on X.
Majhi lauded the Indian boys’ fighting spirit and determination.
“Heartiest congratulations to the Indian Men’s U18 Hockey Team on winning the Men’s U18 Asia Cup 2026. Your stellar performance, fighting spirit and unwavering determination have brought immense pride to the nation. This remarkable triumph is a testament to the rising strength of Indian hockey and the promise of our young athletes. Wishing the team continued success and many more laurels for the country,” the Odisha CM wrote on X.
Bronze for Indian women
Earlier in the day, the Indian women’s U-18 team clinched bronze by defeating Korea 3-0.
Sandeepa Kumari opened the scoring in the 2nd minute, followed by a 16th-minute field goal by captain Sweety Kujur. Three minutes after the change of ends, Nousheen Naz struck to put the match beyond the Koreans.
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