s2h team
KAKAMIGAHARA, JAPAN: The Indian U-18 men’s hockey team stormed their way to continental glory, defeating hosts Japan 4-1 in a commanding final performance to lift the Men’s U-18 Asia Cup 2026 title. While the young players shone brightly on the turf, the triumph serves as a massive validation and a major professional boost for head coach Sardar Singh. Stepping into this high-pressure developmental role, the legendary former Indian captain has successfully established his credentials on the big stage, molding a disciplined, ruthless, and tactically sound unit capable of delivering under championship pressure.
Coach Sardar Singh
The star of the final was undoubtedly forward Ashish Tani Purti, who produced an extraordinary hat-trick (2′, 28′, 34′), while captain Ketan Kushwaha (30′) added a fourth to complete a dominant Indian display. Japan’s solitary response came late via Numada Gaku (52′), which proved to be nothing more than a consolation prize against a resolute Indian contingent.
Sardar’s Tactical Masterclass on Display
India wasted absolutely no time asserting their dominance, executing Coach Sardar Singh’s aggressive opening strategy perfectly. Within the first 90 seconds, India forced a penalty corner, which Purti brilliantly converted in the 2nd minute to break the deadlock. Japan attempted to fight back with four circle penetrations, but the Indian defensive structure—a hallmark of Sardar’s rigorous training camp—remained completely unyielding to close the first quarter 1-0.
The second quarter saw Japan mount sustained pressure, earning their first penalty corner of the match. However, India’s defensive lines held firm. Shifting gears rapidly, India launched a counter-offensive that earned them a penalty corner in the 28th minute. Purti stepped up to unleash a powerful dragflick into the back of the net, doubling the advantage. Just two minutes later, Prahalad Rajbhar intercepted the ball in a dangerous area and expertly setup captain Ketan Kushwaha, who finished with clinical composure to hand India a definitive 3-0 lead at halftime.
Dominating the Individual Honors
India remained relentless as the second half commenced. In the 34th minute, a brilliant, silky run from Varinder Singh manufactured another penalty corner. Purti stepped up yet again to complete his magnificent hat-trick and stretch the lead to 4-0. Japan managed to claw one goal back in the 52nd minute when Numada Gaku converted a penalty corner. Despite earning three additional penalty corners in the dying minutes, Japan simply could not breach the Indian wall again.
India heavily swept the tournament’s individual honors. Purti was named Player of the Match and finished as the tournament’s Top Scorer with an astonishing 13 goals. Safeguarding the net, India’s Ayush Rajak was justly named the Best Goalkeeper of the tournament. In the women’s division, India’s Nausheen Naz also claimed the Top Scorer award with 12 goals, capping off an incredibly successful tour for the nation.
Windfall from Hockey India
To celebrate the spectacular double-podium campaign, Hockey India announced substantial cash incentives. Each member of the gold-medal-winning men’s squad will receive INR 3 lakh, with INR 1.5 lakh allocated for each member of the support staff. Additionally, the Indian U-18 Women’s Team, who fought hard to secure the bronze medal earlier in the day, will be rewarded with INR 1 lakh per player and INR 50,000 for each support staff member.
For Sardar Singh, this championship victory is a defining milestone that underlines his immense potential to shape the golden future of Indian hockey.
(Photo Credits: Asian Hockey Federation)