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Ashish Tani Purti scored a hat-trick as India beat Japan 4-1 to win the Men’s U-18 Asia Cup 2026.
India win gold medal at Men’s U-18 Asia Cup 2026 (Asian Hockey Federation)
The Indian U-18 men’s hockey team were crowned champions of the Men’s U-18 Asia Cup 2026 after defeating hosts Japan 4-1 in the final in Kakamigahara, Japan, on Friday.
Ashish Tani Purti (2′, 28′, 34′) starred with a hat-trick, while captain Ketan Kushwaha (30′) also found the back of the net as India produced a commanding display against the hosts to lift the title. Numada Gaku (52′) scored Japan’s lone goal of the contest.
HI Announce Prize Money
To recognise the teams’ achievements, Hockey India announced a cash award of INR 3 lakh for each player of the gold medal-winning Indian U-18 Men’s Hockey Team and INR 1.5 lakh for each member of the support staff. Hockey India also announced a cash award of INR 1 lakh for each player of the Indian U-18 Women’s Hockey Team, who secured the bronze medal earlier in the day, along with INR 50,000 for each member of the support staff.
India Beat Japan – As It Happened
India wasted no time in making their presence felt, winning a penalty corner inside the opening 90 seconds. Ashish Tani Purti (2′) made no mistake with the finish, giving India an early lead. Japan grew into the quarter, testing India with four circle penetrations, but the Indian defence stood firm throughout, and the first quarter ended with India leading 1-0.
The second quarter saw India extend their advantage despite sustained pressure from the hosts. Japan earned their first penalty corner of the night and looked threatening, but the equaliser continued to elude them.
India responded with purpose, earning a penalty corner of their own in the 28th minute. Ashish Tani Purti stepped up once again and delivered, driving a powerful shot into the net to make it 2-0. The momentum was firmly with India, and it showed almost immediately. Prahalad Rajbhar won the ball in a dangerous area, surged forward, and laid it off to captain Ketan Kushwaha (30′), who finished coolly to put India 3-0 ahead at halftime.
India remained relentless in the third quarter. A silky run from Varinder Singh resulted in another penalty corner, and Ashish Tani Purti completed his hat-trick with a clinical finish in the 34th minute to hand India a commanding 4-0 lead.
Japan pushed hard in the final quarter and, in the 52nd minute, Numada Gaku converted a penalty stroke to reduce the deficit to 4-1. However, the goal proved to be little more than a consolation. Japan earned three more penalty corners in the closing stages but could not find a way past the resolute Indian defence as India sealed a memorable victory and the championship title.
Ashish Tani Purti was awarded Player of the Match for his stellar performance, capping off an exceptional campaign that saw him emerge as the top scorer with 13 goals across the competition.
About the Author
Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for over a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes cricket conten…Read More
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