The Indian Under-18 men’s and women’s hockey teams were warmly welcomed at the Indira Gandhi International Airport following their successful Asia Cup campaign. The men’s team secured a gold medal, while the women’s team achieved a bronze medal finish, sparking nationwide celebrations. The teams received accolades from top leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with the coaches and players expressing gratitude for the support.
The enthusiastic reception at the airport, with players adorned in medals and garlands, highlighted the nation’s pride in the teams’ achievements. Men’s head coach Sardar Singh emphasized the significance of the public support and Prime Minister’s encouragement in boosting the morale of the young players. Meanwhile, women’s head coach Rani Rampal and captain Sweety Kujur viewed the podium finish as a crucial step in their international journey, aiming to address areas for improvement.
India’s successful campaign at the Women’s U18 Asia Cup 2026 culminated in the women’s team showcasing their attacking prowess, scoring 36 goals, and demonstrating defensive strength. The teams’ remarkable performances led Hockey India to announce cash awards of Rs 3 lakh for each player of the men’s gold medal-winning team and Rs 1.5 lakh for support staff. Additionally, Rs 1 lakh was awarded to each player of the women’s bronze medal-winning team, along with Rs 50,000 for support staff.
