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Hockey: India wins Men's Asia U-18 Cup
Ashish Tani Purti's hat-trick powers India’s title win as captain Ketan Kushwaha (30') completes the tally for a superb 4-1 win over hosts Japan
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Prabhjot Paul Singh - Sat, 06, Jun 2026
- 18:34 EDT
- 32
India wins U18 Asia cup / @TheHockeyIndia
India boys did it while girls faltered at the last but one step. After losing the tournament’s opener to the hosts, Japan, in boys section, Indian lads held their nerve to overcome their opening round conquerors by inflicting an equally devastating 4-1 defeat on the title aspirants' local guys.
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The star performer for India was its prolific scorer and dashing striker Ashish Tani Purti, who scored in the 2nd, 28th, to complete 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') reduced the margin for Japan.
To recognize the teams' achievements, Hockey India announced a cash award of Rs 3 lakh (3200 USD) 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 Rs 1 lakh (1050 USD) for each player of the Indian U18 Women's Hockey Team, who secured the bronze medal earlier in the day, along with Rs 50,000 (526 USD) for each member of the support staff.
India wasted no time in making its 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 its 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 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 Puti was awarded player of the match for his stellar performance, capping of an exceptional campaign that saw him emerge as the top scorer with 13 goals across the competition.
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