New Delhi:India’s junior hockey program celebrated a dual podium finish on Saturday as the men's under-18 team captured the continental title and the women's side secured a bronze medal at the U18 Asia Cup 2026.
The Indian men’s team defeated hosts Japan 4-1 in the final to claim the title. Ashish Tani Purti led the attack and scored a hat-trick in the 2nd, 28th and 34th minute. The scoreboard was sealed by team captain Ketan Kushwaha, who found the net in the 30th minute. Japan, meanwhile, got one response late in the game with a goal from Numada Gaku in the 52nd minute.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated them on their victory and praised the youngsters for their skill and team work during the course of the tournament.
A great success for our young hockey players. India Men's U18 Hockey Team Congratulations to Indian Men's U18 Hockey Team for winning Men's U18 Asia Cup 2026. Throughout the tournament, the team showed great skill and teamwork and capped it off with a memorable victory in the final. This victory also indicates the increasing popularity of hockey amongst our youth. “Best wishes to the team for their future endeavours,” PM Modi tweeted.
Women’s U-18 batch take bronzeIndian women’s team had earlier in the day clinched third place with a 3-0 win over Korea. Sandeepa Kumari opened the scoring in the 2nd minute and a field goal by captain Sweety Kujur came in the 16th minute. In the 33rd minute, Nousheen Naz increased the lead to 3-0. The women wrapped up the competition with 36 goals scored in total.
PM Modi also congratulated the women’s team for their success and lauded their spirit throughout the tournament.
"Congratulations to the Indian Women's U18 Hockey Team for winning the Bronze Medal at the U18 Asia Cup 2026. There was so much grit shown by the team throughout the tournament. “This is a testimony to the growing strength of women’s hockey in India and the immense potential of our players. PM Modi tweeted, “Wishing the team all the very best for their future endeavours.”
Hockey India announces cash awardsTo acknowledge these continental performances, governing body Hockey India announced financial incentives. Each member of the men’s gold-winning team will receive Rs 3 lakh and each member of the support staff will receive Rs 1.5 lakh. The bronze-medal winning women's team will get Rs 1 lakh per player and Rs 50,000 per support staff member.