Daijiworld Media Network - Kakamigahara

Kakamigahara, May 31: The Indian men's team suffered a 2-4 defeat against hosts Japan in their Pool A encounter of the U-18 Asia Cup 2026 on Sunday.

Goals from Ashish Tani Purti and captain Ketan Kushwaha were not enough as Japan secured victory through strikes from captain Yoshioka Mahiro, Fujiwara Yuma, Yasui Kengo and Takahashi Aone.

The hosts opened the scoring in the 15th minute through a well-executed penalty-corner variation, with Mahiro diving in to finish after a clever routine. Japan doubled their advantage five minutes later when Yuma produced a powerful backhand strike from the left flank.

India responded before halftime after earning their first penalty corner of the match. Purti converted with a precise effort in the 25th minute to cut the deficit and keep India in contention.

The visitors made an impressive start to the second half and restored parity in the 32nd minute. Following a penalty corner, Kushwaha reacted quickest to a loose ball in front of goal and lifted it over the goalkeeper to make it 2-2.

Japan regained control shortly afterwards. Kengo restored the lead in the 34th minute through another penalty-corner variation before Aone added a fourth goal with a field effort in the 42nd minute.

India pressed forward in the final quarter and created several attacking opportunities, but the Japanese defence remained organised and prevented any further goals.

The result handed Japan three valuable points in Pool A, while India will look to recover quickly when they take on South Korea in their next match on June 1.