Daijiworld Media Network – Nagoya
Nagoya, Jun 7: India's junior men's hockey team produced a commanding display to defeat hosts Japan 4-1 and lift the 2026 Men's U-18 Hockey Asia Cup title at Kakamigahara, Japan, capping a memorable campaign with a gold-medal finish.
The young Indian side dominated the final from start to finish, with Ashish Tani Purni emerging as the star of the night by scoring a sensational hat-trick to power India to the continental crown on Japanese soil.
India signalled their intent from the opening minutes, relentlessly pressuring the hosts and earning a penalty corner in just the second minute of the contest. Ashish Tani Purni (2') made no mistake, converting the opportunity to hand India an early 1-0 lead.
Japan attempted to respond during the remainder of the first quarter, but India's disciplined defence successfully neutralised every attack. The visitors gradually tightened their grip on the game and took complete control towards the end of the second quarter.
Ashish struck again in the 28th minute to double India's advantage. Barely two minutes later, captain Ketan Kushwaha added a third goal with a brilliant field effort after being set up by an excellent pass from Prahlad Rajbhar, giving India a commanding 3-0 lead at half-time.
India's dominance continued after the break. In the 34th minute, Ashish converted another penalty corner to complete his hat-trick and stretch India's lead to 4-0, effectively putting the result beyond doubt.
Japan managed a consolation goal in the fourth quarter when Numada Gaku (52') converted a penalty stroke, but the hosts were unable to mount a comeback as India comfortably closed out a 4-1 victory to secure the title.
India's U-18 women's team also enjoyed a successful campaign, finishing on the podium with a bronze medal and ensuring a double celebration for Indian hockey.
Following the outstanding performances of both teams, Hockey India announced cash rewards for players and support staff. Every member of the gold medal-winning men's team will receive Rs 3 lac, while each member of the support staff will be awarded Rs 1.5 lac.
Members of the bronze medal-winning women's team will receive Rs 1 lac each, while support staff members have been awarded Rs 50,000 each.
The twin achievements underlined the growing strength of India's junior hockey programme, with the men's team returning home as Asian champions and the women's side securing a commendable bronze-medal finish.