The Indian under-18 men’s hockey team clinched the 2026 Asia Cup title in Kakamigahara, Japan, defeating the host nation 4-1 on Friday. Forward Ashish Tani Purti scored a hat-trick, while goalkeeper Ayush Rajak earned tournament honors, capping a dominant undefeated campaign for the visitors.
The Indian under-18 men’s hockey team clinched the 2026 Asia Cup title in Kakamigahara, Japan, defeating the host nation 4-1 on Friday. Forward Ashish Tani Purti scored a hat-trick, while goalkeeper Ayush Rajak earned tournament honors, capping a dominant undefeated campaign for the visitors.
Key Highlights
- India defeated hosts Japan 4-1 to claim the Men’s U-18 Hockey Asia Cup gold medal.
- Forward Ashish Tani Purti scored three goals in the final and finished as the tournament’s top scorer with 13 goals.
- Hockey India announced cash rewards of INR 3 lakh per player for the men’s team and INR 1 lakh per player for the bronze-winning women’s team.
- Goalkeeper Ayush Rajak was named Best Goalkeeper, while Nausheen Naz took the women’s top scorer award with 12 goals.
~ Ashish Tani Purti (2′, 28′, 34′) and captain Ketan Kushwaha (30′) scored as India defeated hosts Japan 4-1 in the final ~
Kakamigahara, June 6, 2026: 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.
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.
Ashish Tani Purti was awarded Player of the Match for his stellar performance in the final and was also recognised as the tournament’s Top Scorer with an impressive 13 goals. India further dominated the individual honours with goalkeeper Ayush Rajak being named the Best Goalkeeper of the tournament. In the women’s competition, India’s Nausheen Naz was recognised as the Top Scorer with 12 goals, capping off a memorable campaign for India at the Men’s and Women’s U-18 Asia Cup 2026.
In the first quarter, 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 as 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 corner 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.
FAQs
Who won the Men’s U-18 Hockey Asia Cup 2026?
The Indian U-18 Men’s Hockey Team won the championship by defeating the host nation, Japan, with a 4-1 victory in the final match.
How many goals did Ashish Tani Purti score in the tournament?
Ashish Tani Purti scored a total of 13 goals throughout the competition, including a hat-trick in the final, making him the tournament’s top scorer.
What cash rewards did Hockey India announce for the teams?
Hockey India announced INR 3 lakh for each male gold-winning player, INR 1.5 lakh for male team support staff, INR 1 lakh for each female bronze-winning player, and INR 50,000 for female team support staff.
Which individual awards did Indian players win at the Asia Cup?
Ashish Tani Purti won Player of the Match and Top Scorer (13 goals), Ayush Rajak was named Best Goalkeeper, and Nausheen Naz won the women’s Top Scorer award with 12 goals.
