Head coach Sardar Singh commended the Indian men’s U-18 hockey team for their victory at the Asia Cup 2026, emphasizing the significant boost the recognition, including praise from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will provide to the young players. The team secured the gold medal by defeating hosts Japan 4-1 in the final, while the women’s team claimed the bronze with a 3-0 win over Korea. Singh expressed joy at the growing support for hockey in the country, noting the enthusiastic welcome the team received upon their return.
Singh highlighted the positive impact of Prime Minister Modi’s congratulations on the team, believing that such recognition will serve as motivation and inspiration for the budding talents in the future. He reiterated the coaching staff’s commitment to Hockey India’s long-term vision of nurturing young players for international competitions. The coach emphasized the importance of following the federation’s plans to develop the players and transition them from the junior to senior levels successfully.
Ashish Tani Purti’s hat-trick and Ketan Kushwaha’s goal led India to a dominant performance in the final, securing the championship title. Ketan expressed gratitude to the team and coaches for their support and training, emphasizing the unity and trust within the team that contributed to their success. Ashish echoed the sentiment, expressing pride in the team’s performance and dedication to winning the gold medal for the country.
