Sports

India’s U-18 men strike gold, women win bronze; President Murmu, Amit Shah hail young hockey stars

President Droupadi Murmu, Amit Shah and other leaders congratulated India’s U-18 hockey teams after the men’s Asia Cup gold and women’s bronze, while Hockey India announced cash rewards.

Statesman News Service | New Delhi | June 7, 2026 2:59 pm

India’s U-18 men strike gold, women win bronze; President Murmu, Amit Shah hail young hockey stars

Ashish Tani Purti's hat-trick powers India to gold medal in the Men's U-18 Asia Cup in Kakamigahara, Japan, on Saturday. Photo credit: Asian Hockey Federation

India’s triumph at the Men’s U-18 Asia Cup 2026 and the women’s team’s bronze-medal finish drew praise from the country’s top leaders, with President Droupadi Murmu, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, former Union Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju, and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath congratulating the young hockey stars for making the nation proud.

The celebrations came after the Indian U-18 men’s team defeated hosts Japan 4-1 in the final, powered by a stunning hat-trick from Ashish Tani Purti, while the women’s side finished with the bronze medal to complete a memorable campaign for Indian hockey.

Advertisement

President Murmu hails young athletes

President Droupadi Murmu congratulated both teams for their performances and said they had become an inspiration for the country’s youth.

Advertisement

“Hearty congratulations to our U18 Hockey Teams for their commendable performance at the U18 Asia Cup 2026! The men’s team has secured the championship title, while the women’s team has earned the Bronze Medal, making the nation proud.

These results reflect the dedication, discipline, and determination of our young athletes. They are a source of inspiration for youth of the country. I wish them continued success in their future endeavours.”

Amit Shah: “Triumph inspires the nation”

Union Home Minister Amit Shah praised the men’s team for showcasing India’s fighting spirit under pressure while also congratulating the women’s team for their bronze-medal finish.

“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 nation.”


On the women’s team, he added:

“Congratulations to the Women’s U18 Hockey Team on winning the Bronze Medal at the U18 Asia Cup 2026. Your feat will certainly boost the sport and its enthusiasts. Keep the winning streak going.”

Kiren Rijiju lauds team’s fighting spirit

Union Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju called it a proud day for Indian hockey and credited the team’s teamwork and determination throughout the tournament.

“A proud day for Indian hockey!

Congratulations to our Men’s U18 Hockey Team for clinching the Men’s U18 Asia Cup 2026 title.

Their exceptional teamwork, talent & fighting spirit throughout the tournament culminated in a memorable victory in the final, where they defeated the defending champions & hosts, Japan. This achievement also highlights the growing enthusiasm for hockey among the youth of Bharat.

My best wishes to the team for many more successes ahead.”


Yogi Adityanath highlights Uttar Pradesh players’ contribution

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath congratulated the entire team while specially acknowledging players from the state, including captain Ketan Kushwaha, Shaharukh Ali, Prahlad Rajbhar, Rahul Yadav, and Romit Pal.

He said the players had brought glory to Mother India through their skill, dedication and discipline, and wished that Indian hockey would continue to achieve new milestones on the global stage.

Purti’s hat-trick powers India to title

On the field, Ashish Tani Purti delivered a Player of the Match performance by scoring in the 2nd, 28th and 34th minutes, while captain Ketan Kushwaha added another goal in the 30th minute as India defeated Japan 4-1. Numada Gaku scored the hosts’ lone goal in the 52nd minute.

Purti also finished as the tournament’s top scorer with 13 goals, while goalkeeper Ayush Rajak was named the Best Goalkeeper. In the women’s competition, Nausheen Naz emerged as the top scorer with 12 goals.

Hockey India announces cash rewards

Following the twin achievements, Hockey India announced Rs 3 lakh for each member of the gold medal-winning men’s U-18 team and Rs 1.5 lakh for every member of the support staff.

The federation also rewarded the women’s U-18 team, which won bronze, with Rs 1 lakh for each player and Rs 50,000 for each member of the support staff, capping a memorable campaign for Indian hockey.

Advertisement

Related posts


Today's Top Stories