Ashish Tani Purti shone with a hat-trick as the Indian U-18 men’s hockey team clinched the Men’s U-18 Asia Cup 2026 by defeating hosts Japan 4-1 in the final in Kakamigahara, Japan. Purti scored in the 2nd, 28th, and 34th minutes, with captain Ketan Kushwaha (30′) also contributing a goal, leading India to a dominant victory. Numada Gaku (52′) scored Japan’s solitary goal in the match.
Hockey India acknowledged the teams’ success by announcing a cash prize 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 support staff member. Additionally, INR 1 lakh was awarded to each player of the Indian U-18 Women’s Hockey Team, which secured the bronze medal, along with INR 50,000 for each support staff member.
Ashish Tani Purti was named Player of the Match for his outstanding performance in the final and also claimed the tournament’s Top Scorer title with an impressive tally of 13 goals. India continued its dominance in individual awards as goalkeeper Ayush Rajak was honored as the Best Goalkeeper of the tournament. Nausheen Naz of India emerged as the Top Scorer in the women’s category with 12 goals, concluding a successful campaign for India at the Men’s and Women’s U-18 Asia Cup 2026.
In the final, India swiftly took the lead by converting a penalty corner early in the first quarter through Ashish Tani Purti (2′). Despite Japan’s efforts, India maintained their defensive solidity to end the quarter 1-0 ahead. The second quarter witnessed India increasing their lead, with Purti scoring his second goal in the 28th minute, followed by Ketan Kushwaha (30′) adding another to make it 3-0 by halftime.
India’s dominance continued in the third quarter as Purti completed his hat-trick with a precise finish in the 34th minute, extending India’s lead to 4-0. Although Japan managed to score through Numada Gaku (52′) in the final quarter, India’s resolute defense secured a 4-1 victory, sealing the championship title.
