India U-18 Men’s Hockey Team clinched the Men’s U-18 Asia Cup 2026 title in dominant fashion, defeating hosts Japan 4-1 in the final at Kakamigahara today.
Ashish Tani Purti delivered a sensational hat-trick (2’, 28’, 34’) to headline India’s victory, while captain Ketan Kushwaha (30’) added another goal as India took firm control after an early breakthrough. Japan’s lone goal came from Numada Gaku (52’) in the final quarter.
India made a flying start, with Purti converting a penalty corner inside the opening two minutes. After weathering Japanese pressure, India doubled their lead through another Purti penalty-corner strike in the 28th minute before Kushwaha capitalised on a turnover to make it 3-0 just two minutes later. Purti completed his hat-trick early in the third quarter to put the contest beyond doubt.
Despite Japan’s late pressure and multiple penalty corners, India’s defence held firm to seal a comprehensive win and the championship crown.
Purti was named Player of the Match and finished as the tournament’s top scorer with 13 goals, while India also collected individual honours including Best Goalkeeper for Ayush Rajak. Hockey India later announced cash awards for the U-18 men’s and women’s teams in recognition of their performances.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today praised a splendid accomplishment by India’s young hockey players. The Prime Minister congratulated the Indian Men’s U18 Hockey Team on winning the Men’s U18 Asia Cup 2026.
Shri Modi noted that the team displayed exceptional skill and teamwork throughout the tournament, culminating in a memorable victory in the final. The Prime Minister observed that this triumph also reflects hockey’s growing popularity among the youth, and extended his best wishes to the team for their future endeavours.
The Prime Minister posted on X:
“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.”
