Ashish Poorti’s hat-trick helped India beat hosts Japan 4-1 in the final on Friday to win the men’s U-18 Asia Cup title.Poorti found the net in the 2nd, 28th and 34th minutes, while captain Ketan Kushwaha scored in the 30th minute to put India in control of the contest. Japan’s only goal was scored by Nomada Gaku in the 52nd minute.After the win, Hockey India announced a cash prize of Rs 3 lakh for each player of the title-winning team and Rs 1.5 lakh for each support staff member.Hockey India also announced Rs 1 lakh for each player and Rs 50,000 for each support staff member of the Indian women’s under-18 team who won the bronze medal on the first day.India got off to a flying start, winning a penalty corner in the opening 90 seconds. Poorti converted the chance to give India a 1-0 lead.Japan tried to respond and entered the Indian circle four times in the first quarter, but the Indian defense held firm as the visitors led at the end of the opening period.
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The hosts continued to press in the second quarter and earned their first penalty corner of the match, but could not find an equaliser.India then struck again in the 28th minute when Poorti converted another penalty corner to make it 2-0.Soon after, Prahlad Rajbhar took possession of a dangerous area and set up Kushwaha, who extended India’s lead to 3-0 before half-time.India scored the fourth goal in the third quarter. Virender Singh’s run earned another penalty corner, and Poorti completed his hat-trick in the 34th minute to put India 4-0 up.Japan got on the scoresheet in the 52nd minute when Nomada Gaku converted a penalty stroke to make it 4-1.The hosts won three more penalty corners in the closing stages but could not break down the Indian defense again.Poorti was named the player of the match. He was also the top scorer of the tournament with 13 goals.
