Japan beat India 4-2 in Men's U-18 Asia Cup 2026
Kakamigahara, May 31
The Indian U-18 Men's Hockey Team suffered a 2-4 defeat against hosts Japan in their U-18 Asia Cup 2026 Pool A fixture in Kakamigahara, Japan, on Sunday.
Ashish Tani Purti (25') and Captain Ketan Kushwaha (32') scored the two goals for India, while Captain Yoshioka Mahiro (15'), Fujiwara Yuma (20'), Yasui Kengo (34') and Takahashi Aone (42') were the goal scorers for Japan, according to a press release.
It was a tightly contested first quarter, with both sides fighting for possession in midfield. However, Japan broke the deadlock in the 15th minute. The home team executed a well-worked variation as Watanabe Atsuhiro passed the ball back to the injector, Captain Yoshioka Mahiro (15'), who scored with a diving finish.
Moments later in the second quarter, Fujiwara Yuma (20') found space on the left flank, beat his marker and struck a powerful backhand shot into the top right corner of the goal to double the home side's lead. Five minutes later, India won their first penalty corner of the day, which was successfully converted courtesy of a well-placed shot by Ashish Tani Purti (25') to reduce the deficit before halftime.
India started the second half strongly with a quick equaliser in the 32nd minute. The visitors secured a penalty corner, which was initially saved by the Japanese goalkeeper. However, Japan failed to clear the ball in time, and Captain Ketan Kushwaha (32') pounced on the loose ball in front of the goal and chipped it past the goalkeeper to level the game.
Japan won another penalty corner in the 34th minute, which was again converted through a variation. This time, Watanabe Atsuhiro played a strong pass to Yasui Kengo (34'), who tapped the ball into the net. With three minutes left in the third quarter, Japan extended their lead further through a field goal from Takahashi Aone (42').
India launched multiple attacks in the final quarter in an attempt to get back into the game, but Japan held their ground and ensured they protected their goal towards the end of the fixture and secured three points.
India will next face Korea on June 1 at 3:30 PM IST as they look to bounce back in the tournament.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Can't help but feel we are still too reliant on individual brilliance rather than structured play. The equaliser came from a scramble, not a well-rehearsed move. Japan's goals were tactically superior - those variations in penalty corners showed better coaching. Our U-18 teams need more disciplined preparation. Hope the boys learn from this.
As a hockey fan from Punjab, this hurts a bit. We used to dominate Asia in hockey. But credit to Japan - they have invested heavily in grassroots and it shows. Their U-18 team plays with such precision. The final quarter was frustrating though - we had so many attacks but no finish. Ketan Kushwaha's goal was a gem though! 🏑
Honestly, the scoreline doesn't reflect how close the match was. First quarter was even, and we dominated the third quarter start. But giving away penalty corners at crucial moments cost us. That third goal just after we equalised really broke the momentum. Still, Ashish and Ketan scoring is promising. Tomorrow's match vs Korea is must-win now!
Good game overall. India's defense needs to be more compact - they left too much space on the flanks for Japan's wingers. That second goal by Fujiwara was a beauty though, you have to admire the skill. India's young team has potential, they just need to work on game management. Good luck against Korea!
Watching from Bangalore, and I feel we missed a trick by not capitalising on the momentum after the equaliser. The transition from 2
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.