India's U-18 Hockey Triumph at Asia Cup: Gold for Men, Bronze for Women

The Indian U-18 men's and women's hockey teams celebrated their achievements at the Asia Cup 2026 in Japan, with the men winning gold and the women securing bronze. Their victorious return was marked by warm welcomes and cash rewards from Hockey India, recognizing their exceptional performances and team spirit.

The Indian Under-18 men's and women's hockey teams were warmly greeted at Delhi airport following their successful campaigns at the U-18 Asia Cup 2026 in Japan. The men's team clinched a gold medal, triumphing over Japan with a resounding 4-1 victory, while the women's team secured bronze.

Ketan Kushwaha, captain of the victorious men's team, expressed his delight, emphasizing the collective effort during their 40-day preparation camp. "The whole team played remarkably well, especially Ashish Tani Purti, who was crucial in securing our win with his hat-trick," he noted. Head coach Sardar Singh attributed the success to team bonding and effective execution of game plans.

Meanwhile, the women's team's captain, Sweety Kujur, and head coach Rani Rampal celebrated their podium finish, acknowledging the valuable lessons learned. Kujur plans to aim higher in future tournaments, while Rampal praised Nousheen Naz, the tournament's top scorer, for her outstanding contribution. Hockey India announced cash rewards for both teams, acknowledging their excellent performances.