PM Modi congratulates Indian U18 Hockey teams on historic Asia Cup success
New Delhi, June 6
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday congratulated the Indian Women's and Men's Hockey teams for their stellar performances at the U18 Asia Cup 2026.
India was 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 commanding 3-0 victory over Korea in the third-place match.
"A splendid accomplishment by our young hockey players. Congratulations to the Indian Men's U18 Hockey Team on winning the Men's U18 Asia Cup 2026. The team displayed exceptional skill and teamwork throughout the tournament, culminating in a memorable victory in the final. This triumph also reflects hockey's growing popularity among our youth. My best wishes to the team for their future endeavours," PM Modi applauded the Indian team.
Ashish Tani Purti (2', 28', 34') starred with a hat-trick, while captain Ketan Kushwaha (30') also found the back of the net as India produced a commanding display against the hosts to lift the title. Numada Gaku (52') scored Japan's lone goal of the contest, according to a Hockey India release.
The bronze medal marks a strong finish to India's campaign at the Women's U18 Asia Cup 2026, with the team showcasing its attacking quality, scoring 36 goals, defensive resilience and immense promise throughout the tournament, according to a release.
On X, PM Modi wrote, "Congratulations to the Indian Women's U18 Hockey Team on securing the Bronze Medal at the U18 Asia Cup 2026. The team displayed remarkable grit throughout the tournament. This feat reflects the growing strength of women's hockey in India and the immense potential of our players. Wishing the team the very best for their upcoming endeavours."
Sandeepa Kumari (2'), Captain Sweety Kujur (16') and Nousheen Naz (33') were on target as India Women capped off their campaign with an impressive podium finish.
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
The cash awards from Hockey India are great, but honestly ₹3 lakh for a gold medal and ₹1 lakh for bronze seems a bit low compared to what other sports get. These kids beat Japan at their home ground and dominated all tournament—they deserve more recognition and financial support. Still, incredibly proud of our young champs! 🌟
Wonderful to see India's hockey future shining so brightly. I visited India last year and the grassroots hockey scene is incredible. The U18 boys and girls are showing the world what Indian talent can achieve. This bronze for the women's team is particularly impressive—coming back strong after any prelim setbacks. Kudos to all players and coaches!
This is fantastic news! After the senior team's recent performances, seeing our U18 teams dominate gives me so much hope for the 2028 Olympics. The men's final against Japan was a masterclass—4-1 away from home is no joke. And captain Ketan Kushwaha leading from the front is exactly what we need. Hockey India should invest even more in these age-group tournaments.
Great to see India producing such strong hockey talent at the junior level. I've been following Asian hockey for years, and this Indian U18 generation looks special. The women's team scoring 36 goals in the tournament is particularly noteworthy—that kind of firepower bodes well for the future. Well done, India!
So proud of our girls! Winning bronze with a 3-0 clean sheet against Korea is outstanding. The future of Indian women
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