India captured the Men’s U18 Asia Cup 2026 title with a commanding 4-1 victory over Japan in the final. Leading 3-0 at halftime, the team maintained momentum and sealed the gold with sharp attacking play and disciplined defense.
Ashish Tani Purti once again proved decisive, netting a hat-trick of penalty corner goals. His drag-flicking skills stood out as India’s most potent weapon, making him one of the brightest finds of the tournament.
Japan attempted to rally in the second half but India’s composure and teamwork ensured the contest remained firmly in their control. The final whistle confirmed India’s dominance, capping off a campaign marked by resilience and flair.
In the semifinal, India showcased fighting spirit against arch-rivals Pakistan. Trailing 2-3 in the third quarter, they struck back with three unanswered goals to secure a thrilling 5-3 win. That comeback set the stage for a more assured performance in the title clash.
With back-to-back wins over Pakistan and Japan, India lifted the Asia Cup trophy, underlining their growing strength in youth hockey.
