The Indian men's U-18 hockey team launched its Asia Cup 2026 campaign in emphatic fashion, dismantling Kazakhstan 13-0 in Kakamigahara, Japan, on Friday. The victory was built around outstanding performances from three Madhya Pradesh youngsters.
Goalkeeper Ayush Rajak's Flawless Display
Goalkeeper Ayush Rajak, a rising talent from Madhya Pradesh, produced a flawless performance, preserving a shutout as the Indian defense repelled every Kazakhstan foray. Rajak's composure and timely saves gave the Blue Colts the confidence to press forward until the final whistle, ensuring the rivals never found a momentum-shifting breakthrough.
Forward Ansh Bahutra's Double Strike
If Ayush stood out with his timely interventions at the goalmouth, so did the forwards from MP — Ansh Bahutra and Gazee Khan — with their decisive contributions. Ansh, another rising prospect, was instrumental in India's repeated forays into the rival box and scoring spree, himself finding the net twice. His conversions, both from penalty corners, underlined his potency in set-piece situations, marking him out as a player to watch as the Blue Colts chart their progress through Pool A.
Gazee Khan Adds to the Tally
Gazee, also a product of the Madhya Pradesh Hockey Academy, chipped in with a goal that extended India's early control and boosted the state's representation on the scoresheet. Overall, India dominated the field from the first whistle, with captain Ketan Kushwaha spearheading the attack and finishing with a hat-trick of goals. His clinical movement and finishing were matched by lively supporting performances from Prahalad Rajbhar, Ashish Tani Purti, and Shahrukh Ali, each of whom played pivotal roles in the rout.
First Half Onslaught
Prahalad, who netted a brace, along with Ashish, who converted multiple penalty corners, combined with Shahrukh's thunderous early strikes to put the contest beyond doubt inside the opening half. India set and maintained a relentless tempo, with early goals in the first quarter laying the foundation for an onslaught. Shahrukh struck in the 12th minute and Rajbhar followed two minutes later to give India a 2-0 advantage after 15 minutes. The second quarter saw Ketan and Gazee extend the lead, and by halftime, the Indian U-18s were leading 6-0.
Penalty Corner Dominance in Third Quarter
Penalty corners proved fruitful for the Colts in the third quarter — four of India's five goals in that period came from set plays — as Bahutra completed his brace and Kushwaha added two swift goals to cap a dominant 11-0 lead going into the final quarter. Akash Deep and Prahalad added late goals to seal the 13-0 scoreline.
Looking Ahead to Japan Clash
The commanding win leaves India well placed in Pool A, even as the focus now shifts to a tougher test against tournament hosts Japan on May 31. Ayush, Ansh, and Gazee's performances will not only offer plenty of encouragement for aspiring hockey stars in MP but also give the Colts a huge burst of confidence and belief as they look to build on their promising start on the continental stage.
