India Eye Double Final Berth as U-18 Asia Cup Semi-Finals Beckon
The Indian U-18 Women’s Hockey Team and the Indian U-18 Men’s Hockey Team will look to continue their impressive runs at the U-18 Asia Cup 2026 when they take the field in their respective semi-final clashes on Thursday in Kakamigahara, Japan.
After dominant performances in the pool stages, both Indian teams have emerged as strong contenders for the title and now stand just one victory away from securing places in the final of the continental championship. The Indian women’s team has been one of the standout sides of the tournament so far. Coached by former India captain Rani, the young Indian side topped Pool A with a perfect record, winning all three of their matches while producing some breathtaking attacking hockey.
India opened their campaign with a closely fought 2-1 victory over Malaysia before raising their level in a convincing 3-1 win against Korea. However, it was their final pool encounter against Singapore that truly underlined their dominance. The Indian girls produced a record-breaking performance, hammering Singapore 25-0 to finish the group stage with 30 goals scored and only two conceded.
The numbers highlight the attacking depth within the squad. Nousheen Naz has been India’s leading scorer with 10 goals, emerging as one of the tournament’s most dangerous forwards. Geethasri Nammi has contributed five goals, while captain Sweety Kujur has added four. Priyanka Minz has also chipped in with three goals as India’s attack continues to fire on all cylinders.
Standing between India and a place in the final is China, who finished second in Pool B with two victories and a draw. While India enter the contest as favourites based on form and scoring output, the coaching staff is aware that knockout matches often present a completely different challenge.
Speaking ahead of the semi-final, head coach Rani praised her players for adapting quickly to international hockey and embracing the pressure of a major tournament.
“The journey so far has been fantastic. This is the first time these girls are playing in an international tournament and they have stepped up to the occasion and performed brilliantly. We have approached this tournament one match at a time and now our complete focus is on the Semi-Final against China,” Rani said.
“It does not matter what the opposition does, our priority is to play to our standards, play attacking hockey and convert our chances.”
Rani also expressed confidence in her squad’s fitness and teamwork.
“The girls are very fit and coordinate well amongst themselves. They will fight hard for every ball, play to our strengths, capitalise on counter-attacks and give their best to secure a place in the final,” she added.
Later in the day, attention will shift to the men’s competition where India faces arch-rivals Pakistan in what promises to be one of the most anticipated matches of the tournament.
The Indian men’s team finished second in Pool A after winning three of their four matches. Their only defeat came against hosts Japan, but the team responded strongly to secure qualification for the semi-finals.
India began with a commanding 13-0 victory over Kazakhstan before suffering a 4-2 defeat against Japan. The setback, however, did little to derail their campaign. The team bounced back impressively with a 4-1 win over Korea before producing another goal-fest in a 13-1 demolition of Chinese Taipei. Across four matches, India have scored an impressive 32 goals while conceding only six, highlighting both their attacking quality and defensive discipline.
Captain Ketan Kushwaha has led from the front with seven goals and has been one of the most influential players in the competition. Ashish Tani Purti is close behind with six goals, while Gazee Khan and Shahrukh Ali have each contributed three goals.
India’s semi-final opponents Pakistan topped Pool B despite suffering one defeat during the group stage. Traditionally one of Asia’s strongest hockey nations, Pakistan will provide a stern test for the young Indian side.
Head coach Sardar Singh believes the team has learned valuable lessons from the group phase and has focused heavily on key areas ahead of the knockout stage.
“After playing four matches, we have identified the areas where we need to improve, especially penalty corner attack and defence. We have been working on these areas in separate groups with the defenders, midfielders and forwards to ensure we are fully prepared,” Sardar said. “The players now understand the demands of modern hockey and what it takes to win a tournament at this level. We want to start with the right energy and maintain that throughout the match.”
Sardar also pointed to team unity as one of India’s biggest strengths.
“One of our biggest strengths is the unity within the team and the structure of our play. We want to continue playing disciplined hockey, trust our passing game and allow our skillful players the freedom to express themselves in key situations,” he added.
With both Indian teams enjoying strong campaigns so far, Thursday presents an opportunity to achieve a rare double final appearance. The women will begin India’s semi-final challenge against China at 9:30 AM IST, while the men will face Pakistan at 3:30 PM IST.
A place in the final is now within touching distance, but both teams know that their toughest tests of the tournament await.
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