India U-18 hockey team crushes Korea 4-1 in Asia Cup Pool A
Synopsis
India's U-18 hockey side were clinical from the first whistle in Kakamigahara, racing to a 2-0 lead inside five minutes and never looking back. Captain Ketan Kushwaha's brace and a late Shahrukh Ali strike sealed a 4-1 win over Korea that puts India level on six points at the top of Pool A — with a semi-final spot up for grabs against Chinese Taipei on 3 June.
Key Takeaways
India defeated Korea 4-1 in Pool A of the U-18 Asia Cup 2026 in Kakamigahara, Japan on 1 June 2026 .
Captain Ketan Kushwaha scored in the 3rd and 36th minutes; Varinder Singh (5') and Shahrukh Ali (54') added one each.
Korean captain Yun Jaehyeok scored India's only concession via a penalty corner in the 21st minute .
Goalkeeper Ayush Rajak made a crucial stick save in the 53rd minute to deny Kim Doyun .
India are level on six points with Korea and Japan; the top two from Pool A advance to the semi-finals.
India's next match is against Chinese Taipei on 3 June at 1:30 PM IST .
India's U-18 Men's Hockey Team delivered a commanding 4-1 victory over Korea in their third Pool A match of the U-18 Asia Cup 2026 in Kakamigahara, Japan, on 1 June 2026. Captain Ketan Kushwaha was the standout performer, netting a brace, while Varinder Singh and Shahrukh Ali added one each to seal a dominant win.
How the Goals Fell
Kushwaha opened the scoring in the 3rd minute after Rahul Yadav played a sharp pass that led to a penalty corner rebound, which the captain slotted home. Just two minutes later, Gazee Khan's incisive vision found Varinder Singh unmarked at the far post, and he converted calmly to give India a 2-0 lead inside the first five minutes.
Korean captain Yun Jaehyeok pulled one back in the 21st minute via a penalty corner, making it 2-1 at half-time. But India reasserted control in the third quarter — Kushwaha pounced on a loose ball after the Korean backline failed to clear a penalty corner in the 36th minute, notching his second of the night.
Indian goalkeeper Ayush Rajak produced a crucial stick save in the 53rd minute to deny Kim Doyun, and India immediately responded. Shahrukh Ali struck a powerful effort in the 54th minute to make it 4-1 and put the result beyond doubt.
India's Penalty Corner Efficiency
India converted two of their penalty corners on the night, with both arriving at crucial junctures — the opening goal and the third. Their ability to capitalise on set pieces was a key differentiator, while Korea managed just one conversion from their own opportunities.
Pool A Standings and What Is at Stake
The result leaves India level on six points with both Korea and Japan in Pool A. With the top two teams from each pool advancing to the semi-finals, the standings remain tight heading into the final round of group matches. India's superior goal difference could prove decisive.
What Comes Next for India
India face Chinese Taipei on 3 June at 1:30 PM IST in their final Pool A fixture. A win would consolidate their semi-final berth and could determine their seeding. The team will look to carry forward the momentum, particularly the sharp early pressing and clinical penalty corner conversion that defined Monday's display.
Point of View
India's goal difference could be the tiebreaker that decides Pool A seeding. The 3 June match against Chinese Taipei is a must-watch not for the result, but for whether coach and captain can keep this intensity without the adrenaline of a close contest.
NationPress
10 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score between India and Korea in the U-18 Asia Cup 2026?
India defeated Korea 4-1 in their Pool A match at the U-18 Asia Cup 2026 in Kakamigahara, Japan, on 1 June 2026. It was India's third match in the group stage.
Who scored for India against Korea in the U-18 Asia Cup?
Captain Ketan Kushwaha scored twice (3rd and 36th minutes), Varinder Singh scored in the 5th minute, and Shahrukh Ali added the fourth in the 54th minute. Korea's only goal came from captain Yun Jaehyeok in the 21st minute.
Where does India stand in Pool A after the win over Korea?
India are level on six points with Korea and Japan in Pool A. The top two teams from each pool qualify for the semi-finals, making India's final group match against Chinese Taipei on 3 June crucial.
When and who do India play next in the U-18 Asia Cup 2026?
India face Chinese Taipei on 3 June 2026 at 1:30 PM IST in their final Pool A match. A positive result would strengthen their semi-final qualification.
What was the standout individual performance for India against Korea?
Captain Ketan Kushwaha was the standout performer, scoring a brace — the first from a penalty corner rebound in the 3rd minute and the second after pouncing on a loose ball in the 36th minute. Goalkeeper Ayush Rajak also impressed with a key stick save in the 53rd minute.
