Captain Ketan Kushwaha Stars as India Thrash Korea 4-1 in U18 Asia Cup 2026

The Indian U-18 Men's Hockey Team bounced back in emphatic fashion at the U18 Asia Cup 2026, producing a commanding 4-1 victory over Korea in their Pool A encounter in Kakamigahara, Japan, on Monday.

Led by a brilliant brace from captain Ketan Kushwaha, India delivered one of their most complete performances of the tournament to secure three crucial points and reignite their semifinal hopes. Varinder Singh and Shahrukh Ali also found the scoresheet as India outplayed Korea for large parts of the contest. Korea's lone goal came through captain Yun Jaehyeok from a penalty corner in the second quarter.

The result takes India to six points from three matches, level with both Korea and hosts Japan in a tightly contested Pool A race where every goal could prove decisive in determining the semifinalists.

India entered the match knowing that a victory was essential following their defeat to Japan and responded with exactly the kind of aggressive start their coaching staff would have wanted. The young Indians immediately put Korea under pressure and earned the first penalty corner of the match within three minutes.

The opportunity produced the opening goal. Rahul Yadav delivered a clever pass inside the circle to captain Ketan Kushwaha. Although the Korean goalkeeper managed to stop the initial effort, Kushwaha reacted quickest to the rebound and calmly slotted the ball home to give India an early 1-0 lead.

The goal energized the Indian side, which continued to attack with confidence. Just two minutes later, India doubled its advantage. Gazee Khan displayed excellent vision to spot Varinder Singh unmarked near the goal. The pass was perfectly weighted, and Varinder made no mistake, calmly finishing to put India 2-0 ahead after only five minutes.

The quickfire goals stunned Korea and handed India complete control of the opening quarter.

After the early setback, Korea attempted to slow the tempo and regain composure. The remainder of the first quarter became a more tactical affair, with both teams battling for control in midfield. The second quarter saw a more balanced contest as Korea gradually began creating attacking opportunities. Although neither side generated many clear chances from open play, Korea capitalized on a set-piece opportunity in the 21st minute.

A penalty corner allowed Korean captain Yun Jaehyeok to showcase his drag-flicking ability. The Korean skipper converted successfully, reducing the deficit to 2-1 and bringing his team back into the contest. The goal shifted some momentum towards Korea and ensured the match remained finely poised heading into halftime.

Despite the pressure, India's defence remained composed and protected its slender advantage until the break.

The third quarter proved decisive. India emerged from halftime with renewed intensity and immediately looked to regain control of the match. Their efforts paid off in the 36th minute when another penalty corner created danger for the Korean defence. The initial effort was blocked, but Korea failed to clear the rebound effectively.

Once again, captain Ketan Kushwaha was in the right place at the right time. The Indian skipper pounced on the loose ball and fired it into the net to restore India's two-goal advantage at 3-1. It was a crucial moment in the contest. Having seen Korea reduce the deficit before halftime, India needed a strong response, and their captain delivered exactly that.

Kushwaha's second goal of the evening not only extended India's lead but also provided a significant psychological boost.

The match remained competitive entering the final quarter. Korea continued searching for a route back into the game and nearly found it in the 53rd minute. Kim Doyun produced a dangerous deflection that appeared destined for the net, but Indian goalkeeper Ayush Rajak came up with a brilliant save. The stop proved to be one of the key moments of the match.

Had Korea scored, the contest could have become tense during the closing stages. Instead, Rajak's intervention preserved India's two-goal cushion and allowed the team to launch an immediate counter-response.

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Just a minute after Rajak's save, India effectively ended the contest. Shahrukh Ali received possession inside the attacking area and unleashed a powerful strike that thundered into the backboard. The goal extended India's lead to 4-1 and removed any remaining doubt about the outcome. It was a fitting reward for India's attacking approach and ensured the team would leave the field with a convincing victory.

The final minutes passed without further incident as India comfortably saw out the match.

The victory significantly improves India's position in Pool A. India, Korea and Japan are now all level on six points, creating a fascinating battle for the two semifinal spots available from the group. Goal difference and results in the final round of matches could ultimately decide which teams advance. For India, the performance against Korea was particularly encouraging because of the manner in which it was achieved.

After conceding against the run of play in the second quarter, the team remained composed, responded strongly and controlled the contest. Captain Ketan Kushwaha led from the front with two goals, while Varinder Singh, Shahrukh Ali and goalkeeper Ayush Rajak all made important contributions. India will now turn its attention to its final Pool A fixture against Chinese Taipei on June 3.

With a semifinal place still firmly within reach, the young Indian side knows another strong performance could keep its U18 Asia Cup title ambitions alive.