India Clinches Men’s Under-18 Hockey Asia Cup Title; Women Secure Bronze in Kakamigahara

Ashish Purti emerged as the star of the final, producing a sensational hat-trick to lead India to victory. Team captain Ketan Kushwaha added the fourth goal, while Gaku Numada scored the lone goal for Japan. India maintained control throughout the contest, showcasing exceptional skill, discipline, and teamwork to secure the championship in convincing fashion.

In the women’s competition, India’s Under-18 Women’s Hockey Team concluded its campaign on a positive note by defeating South Korea 3-0 to claim the bronze medal. The victory reflected the team’s determination and competitive spirit throughout the tournament.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the Indian Men’s Under-18 Hockey Team on its Asia Cup triumph. In a social media post, he said the team displayed exceptional skill and teamwork throughout the tournament, culminating in a memorable victory in the final. He described the achievement as a splendid accomplishment by the young hockey players and stated that the triumph reflected hockey’s growing popularity among the youth. The Prime Minister also extended his best wishes to the team for its future endeavours.

The Prime Minister further congratulated the Indian Women’s Under-18 Hockey Team for securing the bronze medal at the Under-18 Asia Cup 2026. He praised the team’s remarkable grit throughout the tournament and said the achievement reflected the growing strength of women’s hockey in India as well as the immense potential of the players. He conveyed his best wishes to the team for its upcoming endeavours.

India’s successful campaign in both the men’s and women’s categories highlights the rising standards of youth hockey in the country and reinforces its position as a major force in Asian hockey. The performances in Kakamigahara have provided another significant milestone for Indian hockey and strengthened confidence in the next generation of players.