‘PM’s praise will motivate and inspire youngsters’, says coach Sardar Singh after U-18 Asia Cup hockey gold

New Delhi, June 8 (IANS) Head coach Sardar Singh hailed the Indian men’s team following their gold-medal triumph at the U18 Hockey Asia Cup, highlighting that the top-tier recognition, including praise from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will act as a major booster for the budding stars.

On Friday, the Indian U-18 men were crowned champions of the Asia Cup 2026 after defeating hosts Japan 4-1 in the final in Kakamigahara, Japan, on Friday. Menahwile, women’s team secured the bronze medal after registering a commanding 3-0 victory over Korea in the bronze medal match

Speaking after receiving a rousing welcome upon the team’s arrival back home, Sardar expressed his delight over the growing enthusiasm for the sport. “After a victory like this, all hockey lovers across the country celebrate and show their support. You can see the enthusiasm among the players, and it feels great that so many people came to welcome them,” Singh told IANS.

“It is also a positive thing that the Prime Minister congratulated the entire team. In my opinion, such recognition will motivate these young players and inspire them in the future,” he added.

Looking ahead, the coach stated that the support staff is fully aligned with the national federation’s long-term vision to nurture young talent pool for the global stage.

“Whatever plan Hockey India gives us, we will follow it accordingly. We hope to continue working with these players and develop good hockey players. They still have a lot of time ahead of them to progress from the junior level and eventually enter the senior team,” he concluded.

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.

“I would like to thank my team and our coaches for the immense support and training we received. We are very happy to have returned as champions after winning the Asia Cup. Supporting each other was the most important thing. Our coaches trusted us, and we are proud that we lived up to that trust and came back with the title…” skipper Ketan told IANS on his arrival at home.

Ashish added, “We feel very good about our performance. We were focused on winning the since the beginning. It feels great that we have won the gold medal for the country.”

–IANS

bc/