Ashish Purti scored a brilliant hat-trick as a dominant Indian team defeated hosts Japan 4-1 in the final to win the Men's Under-18 Asia Cup title on Friday in Kakamigahara.
Match Overview
Purti struck in the 2nd, 28th and 34th minutes, while captain Ketan Kushwaha added a goal in the 30th minute. Numada Gaku scored Japan's lone goal in the 52nd minute. India controlled the game from start to finish, showcasing superior skill and tactical discipline.
Early Dominance
India wasted no time, earning a penalty corner within the first 90 seconds. Purti converted with precision to give India an early lead. Japan responded with four circle penetrations in the first quarter, but India's defense held firm, ending the quarter 1-0 ahead.
Second Quarter Surge
In the second quarter, India extended their advantage despite sustained Japanese pressure. Japan earned their first penalty corner but failed to equalize. India countered effectively, earning a penalty corner in the 28th minute. Purti stepped up again, driving a powerful shot into the net for a 2-0 lead. Moments later, Prahalad Rajbhar won the ball in a dangerous area and set up captain Kushwaha, who finished coolly to make it 3-0 at halftime.
Hat-trick Hero
India remained relentless in the third quarter. A slick run by Varinder Singh earned another penalty corner, and Purti completed his hat-trick with a clinical finish in the 34th minute, giving India a commanding 4-0 lead.
Japan's Consolation
Japan pushed hard in the final quarter. In the 52nd minute, Numada Gaku converted a penalty stroke to reduce the deficit to 4-1. However, the goal proved to be a mere consolation. Japan earned three more penalty corners but could not breach India's resolute defense.
Awards and Recognition
Purti was named player of the match for his stellar performance. He finished as the tournament's top scorer with 13 goals. Hockey India announced a cash award of Rs 3 lakh for each player of the gold medal-winning team and Rs 1.5 lakh for each support staff member. Additionally, the Indian Women's U-18 team, which secured a bronze medal earlier in the day, received Rs 1 lakh per player and Rs 50,000 per support staff member.
The victory underscores India's rising dominance in junior hockey and bodes well for the future of the sport in the country.
