Double delight for Nousheen as MP girl finishes top scorer after India U-18’s bronze win

Bhopal: It was double delight for MP’s very own rising hockey starlet Nouseen Naz as the Indian Eves came away with a convincing 3-0 win against the formidable Republic of Korea in Saturday’s bronze medal play-off at the U-18 Asia Cup in Japan. The Seoni girl, whose journey to the Asia Cup began with a discarded stick that she assembled with a piece of cloth, sounded the board again in the play-off, picking up the award as the tournament’s top goal-getter with 12 goals.

The visitors set the tone inside two minutes after Sandeepa Kumari calmly slotted home the opener. Captain Sweety Kujur doubled India’s advantage with a field goal in the 16th minute, effectively putting the outcome of the clash beyond doubt.

Nousheen, who scored a whopping 7 goals in the 25-0 rout of Singapore earlier, sealed India’s win in the 33rd minute with a composed field finish after patient build-up play.

Her stellar returns in the tournament drew wholesome praise from Chief minister Mohan Yadav. In a post on his X handle, CM Yadav lauded the top-scorer at the Asia Cup for putting Madhya Pradesh hockey under global spotlight while congratulating the U-18 girls on their bronze win.

The India U-18s dominated possession for long periods, repeatedly probing Korea’s circle and converting key opportunities. The early goal by Sandeepa gave the side an immediate lift forcing Korea to chase the game, while Kujur’s second strike established territorial control and allowed India to play with greater confidence.

Nousheen’s 33rd-minute finish ended any hopes of a Korean comeback, ensuring a comfortable victory for the Indian girls.

Nousheen’s consistency through the tournament was a standout feature of India’s campaign. Her 12-goal haul not only made her the competition’s highest scorer but also posed a relentless challenge for opposition defences throughout the week.

The forward’s composure inside the circle and clinical finishing were on full display in the bronze-medal match, underlining her importance to India’s attacking formation.

Defensively, the Indian rearguard remained disciplined and compact, preserving a clean sheet to complement the team’s offensive efficiency. The combination of attacking depth and defensive organisation proved decisive as India finished the tournament with 36 goals in total.

Sandeepa’s incisive play in the opening minutes of the game earned her the Player of the Match award, a deserving recognition for the decisive early strike that set India up for the win.

Skipper Sweety’s leadership and timely field goal were also instrumental in constructing the platform for the late flourish.

India’s bronze capped a tournament campaign that highlighted the nation’s emerging talent at junior level, with multiple players stepping up on the big stage. The result provides a positive note for India’s youth development pathway and offers momentum for the next generation of forwards and defenders alike.

Korea, despite spirited efforts, were unable to find a way past India’s well-organised defence and were limited to a few clear chances.

Six from MP shine as India win Men’s Asia Cup gold

The Indian men’s U‑18 hockey team struck gold at the Men’s U‑18 Asia Cup 2026 in Kakamigahara, Japan, after capping off a dominant tournament display with a convincing win in the final.

The title run, from May 29 to June 6, showcased India’s emergence among Asia’s best junior sides, with Madhya Pradesh proving to be the principal feeder line of talent.

As many as six players from MP’s Men’s Hockey Academy formed a significant part of the gold‑winning squad. Goalkeeper Ayush Rajak and teammates Ansh Bahutra, Karan Gautam, Avi Manikpuri, Siddharth Ben and Ghazi Khan were integral to India’s success, producing consistent performances throughout the tournament.

CM Yadav also hailed the men’s team for their remarkable title run and gold haul.