Bhagwant Mann, Priyanka Gandhi laud India's men's and women's hockey teams for wins at U18 Asia Cup 2026
Chandigarh, June 6
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi congratulated the Indian Women's and Men's Hockey teams for their excellent performances at the U18 Asia Cup 2026.
India were crowned champions of the Men's U-18 Asia Cup 2026 after defeating hosts Japan 4-1 in the final in Kakamigahara, Japan, on Saturday, while the Women's team won Bronze after a commanding 3-0 victory over Korea in the third-place match.
Taking to X, Priyanka Gandhi congratulated the Indian teams for their historic performance. She said that the teams brought pride to the nation and extended her best wishes to all the players.
"India has created history in the Under-18 Hockey Asia Cup. The Indian men's team has won gold medals for the third time, and the women's team has won a bronze medal, bringing glory to the country. Heartiest congratulations and best wishes to all players of both teams. The country is proud of all of you," she wrote in an X post.
Punjab CM Mann also congratulated the Men's Indian junior hockey team for winning the gold medal at the Asia Cup, praising their outstanding performance. He expressed pride in Punjab's youth contributing to India's hockey success and said the state government is committed to supporting athletes by improving sports facilities and reviving sports culture in Punjab.
"Heartiest congratulations to the Indian Junior Hockey Team for their stellar performance and winning the 'Gold Medal' in the 'Junior Asia Cup'. We take great pride in the fact that our Punjabi youth are carrying forward this glorious legacy of hockey with such excellence. To revive the sports culture in Punjab and provide world-class facilities to athletes, 'Your Government' is always standing shoulder to shoulder with you. Bravo, champions--keep enhancing the pride of the country and Punjab in this very manner," CM Mann wrote in an X post.
Notably, to recognise the teams' achievements, Hockey India announced a cash award of Rs 3 lakh for each player of the gold medal-winning Indian U-18 Men's Hockey Team and Rs 1.5 lakh for each member of the support staff.
Hockey India also announced a cash award of Rs 1 lakh for each player of the Indian U-18 Women's Hockey Team, who secured the bronze medal earlier in the day, along with Rs 50,000 for each member of the support staff.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Finally some good news 🇮🇳 Both teams have done us proud. Priyanka Gandhi and Bhagwant Mann both congratulating together shows how sports unites us beyond politics. Hoping this inspires more youngsters to take up hockey instead of just cricket.
Incredible achievement! The boys beating Japan 4-1 in their own backyard is massive. And the girls bringing home bronze shows the depth we have. But we need more hockey academies in villages - that's where the real talent is. Kudos to Hockey India for the cash rewards though! 🙌
Wonderful news. But I wish the media and politicians would give this same energy to our senior teams. Our men's senior team hasn't won an Olympic medal since 1980. These juniors are the future - let's hope they get proper support now. Both teams deserve standing ovation! 👏
So proud of our girls and boys! But honestly, the prize money difference bothers me - Rs 3 lakh for men vs Rs 1 lakh for women? We talk about equality but actions speak louder. Still, this is a historic win and all players are heroes. Hockey is coming back! 🤩
As someone who follows hockey internationally, this is really impressive from India. The U18 level is crucial for development. Japan is no joke in hockey and winning there is a statement. The women's bronze with a 3-0 clean sheet over Korea is also excellent. Future looks bright for Indian hockey! 🏑🇮🇳
P We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.