India’s young hockey stars delivered an impressive performance at the U18 Asia Cup 2026 in Japan, with the men’s team winning the championship and the women’s team securing the bronze medal. The twin successes underline the strength of India’s emerging hockey talent and provide a major boost for the future of the sport in the country.
The Indian men’s team clinched the U18 Asia Cup title by defeating hosts Japan 4-1 in the final. Forward Ashish Purti emerged as the star of the match, scoring a brilliant hat-trick as India dominated the contest. The victory capped a remarkable campaign for the young Indian side, which had earlier defeated Pakistan in the semifinals and displayed attacking hockey throughout the tournament. Purti also finished among the tournament’s leading scorers, further highlighting his outstanding performance.
India’s road to the title featured several commanding victories. The team began with a 13-0 win over Kazakhstan and later registered wins against Korea and Chinese Taipei before advancing to the knockout stage. Despite a pool-stage defeat to Japan, the Indian side bounced back strongly when it mattered most, avenging that loss in the final to lift the trophy.
The women’s team also finished the tournament on a positive note. After suffering a narrow shootout defeat to China in the semifinals following a hard-fought 2-2 draw, India responded with a convincing 3-0 victory over South Korea in the bronze-medal match. The win ensured a podium finish for the young Indian squad.
A standout performer for the women’s team was Nousheen Naz, who scored in the bronze-medal playoff and finished as the tournament’s highest goal-scorer with 12 goals. Her remarkable achievement played a crucial role in India’s successful campaign and earned widespread praise from the hockey fraternity.
The performances of both teams reflect the growing depth of Indian hockey at the grassroots level. While the men returned home with the gold medal, the women showcased resilience by securing bronze, making the U18 Asia Cup 2026 a memorable tournament for Indian hockey. The results are expected to strengthen India’s junior development pathway and provide a strong foundation for future international success.
