New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has congratulated India’s men’s and women’s Under-18 hockey teams after their impressive performances at the U18 Asia Cup 2026 in Kakamigahara, Japan, where the men’s side clinched the continental title while the women’s team secured a bronze medal finish. The achievements marked a significant moment for Indian hockey, highlighting the depth of emerging talent in the country and reinforcing India’s growing stature in age-group international competitions.

The Prime Minister lauded both teams through separate messages on social media platform X, describing their accomplishments as a matter of national pride and a reflection of the sport’s rising popularity among India’s youth.

Men’s Team Crowned U18 Asia Cup Champions

India’s Men’s U18 Hockey Team emerged champions after defeating defending champions and hosts Japan 4-1 in the final of the Men’s U18 Asia Cup 2026. The victory capped a dominant tournament campaign by the young Indian side and secured the prestigious continental title.

Forward Ashish Purti played a decisive role in the final, scoring a sensational hat-trick as India overpowered Japan. His performance not only helped India lift the trophy but also established him among the standout performers of the tournament. Reports from the tournament noted that India began aggressively and found the net as early as the second minute before maintaining control throughout the contest.

India’s road to the title included an emphatic semifinal victory over Pakistan. In that match, Ashish Purti once again starred, scoring four goals as India produced a commanding display to book its place in the final. The victory over the traditional rivals further underlined the team’s dominance during the competition.

Following the title triumph, Prime Minister Modi praised the team’s achievement, calling it “a splendid accomplishment” by India’s young hockey players. He noted that the squad demonstrated exceptional skill and teamwork throughout the tournament, culminating in a memorable victory in the final. The Prime Minister also said the success reflected hockey’s growing popularity among young Indians and extended his best wishes to the players for their future endeavors.

The Prime Minister’s Office and the Press Information Bureau echoed the sentiment, highlighting the team’s remarkable journey and the significance of the victory for Indian hockey’s future development.

Women’s Team Clinches Bronze Medal

India’s Women’s U18 Hockey Team also delivered a commendable performance in Japan, securing the bronze medal after defeating the Republic of Korea 3-0 in the third-place playoff. The result ensured that India finished the tournament with two medals across the men’s and women’s competitions.

The women’s team displayed resilience throughout the tournament, bouncing back strongly to finish on the podium. Their bronze-medal-winning campaign was highlighted by determination, fighting spirit, and consistent performances against some of Asia’s strongest youth teams.

Among the standout performers was Nousheen Naz from Madhya Pradesh, who finished as the tournament’s top scorer with an impressive tally of 12 goals. She added another goal during India’s 3-0 victory over South Korea in the bronze medal match, capping a remarkable individual campaign. Her achievement further strengthened her reputation as one of India’s brightest young hockey prospects.

The story of Nousheen’s rise has drawn attention across the country. Hailing from Seoni in Madhya Pradesh, she reportedly began her hockey journey using a makeshift stick assembled from discarded materials before progressing to the international stage and emerging as the tournament’s highest goal scorer.

Congratulating the women’s team, Prime Minister Modi praised the players for displaying remarkable grit throughout the tournament. He said their bronze-medal finish reflected the growing strength of women’s hockey in India and showcased the immense potential of the country’s young athletes. He also wished the team success in future competitions.

A Double Success for Indian Hockey

The simultaneous success of both Indian teams at the U18 Asia Cup has been viewed as a major boost for the country’s hockey ecosystem. The men’s title and women’s bronze medal underline the effectiveness of grassroots development programs and the increasing competitiveness of India’s youth hockey structure.

The achievements also reinforce India’s status as one of Asia’s leading hockey nations. While the men’s team showcased attacking brilliance and tactical discipline on its way to the title, the women’s side demonstrated resilience and character to secure a podium finish. Together, the performances signal a promising future for Indian hockey at the international level.

Prime Minister Modi’s messages emphasized that the accomplishments were not only victories on the field but also indicators of the sport’s growing appeal among young Indians. According to the Prime Minister, the success of these young athletes serves as inspiration for aspiring players across the country and highlights the depth of talent emerging from India’s hockey development pathways.

Growing Momentum for Indian Hockey

The performances in Kakamigahara come at a time when Indian hockey continues to invest heavily in youth development and international exposure. The success of the U18 teams is expected to strengthen the pipeline feeding future national squads and provide valuable experience to players who could represent India at senior international tournaments in the coming years.

With the men returning home as continental champions and the women bringing home a bronze medal, the U18 Asia Cup 2026 will be remembered as a landmark tournament for Indian hockey. The achievements of players such as Ashish Purti and Nousheen Naz have provided fresh optimism for the sport’s future and demonstrated that India’s next generation of hockey stars is ready to make its mark on the international stage.

With inputs from agencies

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