India’s U-18 men’s hockey team capped a remarkable campaign by defeating host nation Japan 4-1 in the final to win the title, while the Indian women’s U-18 team secured a bronze medal finish in the tournament.
After opening their campaign with a loss to Japan, the Indian men’s team produced a commanding performance in the final, avenging that defeat with an emphatic victory over the hosts.
Striker Ashish Tani Purti starred for India, scoring a hat-trick with goals in the 2nd, 28th, and 34th minutes. Captain Ketan Kushwaha added another goal in the 30th minute as India established complete control of the contest. Japan’s Numada Gaku scored a consolation goal from a penalty stroke in the 52nd minute.
To recognize 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 team and Rs 1.5 lakh for each member of the support staff. The governing body also announced a cash reward of Rs 1 lakh for each player of the Indian U-18 women’s team, which won bronze earlier in the day, along with Rs 50,000 for each member of the support staff.
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India made an immediate impact in the final, earning a penalty corner within the opening 90 seconds. Tani Purti converted the opportunity in the second minute to give India an early lead. Japan responded with several attacking moves and recorded four circle penetrations in the opening quarter, but the Indian defense remained composed to preserve the advantage.
The hosts continued to apply pressure in the second quarter and earned their first penalty corner of the match, but were unable to find an equalizer. India capitalized on its opportunities, doubling the lead in the 28th minute when Tani Purti struck again from a penalty corner.
The momentum shifted decisively in India’s favor shortly afterward. Prahalad Rajbhar won possession in a dangerous area and set up captain Kushwaha, who calmly finished in the 30th minute to give India a 3-0 lead heading into halftime.
India maintained its intensity after the break. A strong run by Varinder Singh earned another penalty corner, and Tani Purti completed his hat-trick in the 34th minute with a clinical finish to extend the lead to 4-0.
Japan continued to push forward in the final quarter and reduced the deficit when Numada Gaku converted a penalty stroke in the 52nd minute. However, the hosts were unable to mount a comeback. Despite earning three additional penalty corners in the closing stages, Japan was repeatedly denied by a disciplined Indian defense.
India comfortably saw out the remaining minutes to secure a memorable victory and lift the championship trophy.
Tani Purti was named Player of the Match for his outstanding performance. He also finished as the tournament’s leading scorer with 13 goals, capping an exceptional campaign for the young Indian forward.
