Kakamigahara, May 29 -- The Indian U-18 Men's Hockey Team opened its campaign at the U-18 Asia Cup 2026 with a dominant 13-0 victory over Kazakhstan in Kakamigahara, Japan, on Friday in Pool A.

Captain Ketan Kushwaha led from the front with three goals, while Prahalad Rajbhar, Ashish Tani Purti, Ansh Bahutra and Shahrukh Ali registered a brace each, according to a release.

India controlled proceedings from the outset and was rewarded for their persistence after Kazakhstan weathered the early pressure.

Shahrukh Ali (12') broke the deadlock with a thunderous strike from inside the circle before Prahalad Rajbhar (14') doubled the advantage just two minutes later, giving India a firm grip on the contest by the end of the first quarter.

Go...