New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 6 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.
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… pic.twitter.com/w5xIVAvN13
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 6, 2026
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.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also took to X to congratulate the U-18 men’s hockey team for winning the Asia cup.
Bravo to Indian Men's U18 Hockey Team for lifting the Men's U18 Asia Cup 2026.
You have displayed the indomitable power of Indian mettle even in the face of pressure and challenges and scripted a golden episode of pride for India. Your triumph sends wave of inspiration across… pic.twitter.com/BcjnlMdw5z— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) June 6, 2026
PM Modi took to X to laud the Indian Women’s U18 Hockey Team on securing the Bronze Medal at the U18 Asia Cup 2026.
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.… pic.twitter.com/098tYzdIqK
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 6, 2026
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. (With inputs from ANI)
