Kakamigahara (Japan), May 29 (H.S.): The Indian Under-18 men’s hockey team began its campaign in the Under-18 Asia Cup Hockey in emphatic fashion on Friday, crushing Kazakhstan 13-0 in a Pool-A clash. Captain Ketan Kushwaha starred with a sensational hat-trick as India delivered a dominant all-round performance.

India will next face hosts Japan on May 31 at 1:30 PM IST.

Ketan Kushwaha netted three goals for India, while Prahlad Rajbhar, Ashish Tani Purti, Ansh Bahutra, and Shahrukh Ali scored two goals each. Gazi Khan and Akash Deep also found the net once each.

India displayed attacking intent right from the opening whistle. After withstanding some early pressure, Kazakhstan’s defence finally cracked in the 12th minute when Shahrukh Ali fired a powerful shot from inside the circle to give India the lead. Just two minutes later, Prahlad Rajbhar doubled the advantage to make it 2-0.

The Indian side tightened its grip in the second quarter. Captain Ketan Kushwaha scored from close range in the 18th minute, while Gazi Khan added the fourth goal two minutes later.

India continued to pile on the pressure before halftime. Shahrukh Ali struck his second goal in the 29th minute, and moments later Ashish Tani Purti converted a penalty corner to hand India a commanding 6-0 lead heading into the break.

The third quarter witnessed India’s most destructive spell of the match. Ansh Bahutra scored twice in the 31st and 44th minutes, while Purti also added his second goal of the game. Captain Ketan Kushwaha then completed his hat-trick with two quick goals in the closing moments of the quarter, taking India’s lead to a massive 11-0.

India maintained relentless pressure in the final quarter as well. Akash Deep scored in the 47th minute before Prahlad Rajbhar netted his second goal in the 51st minute to complete India’s historic 13-0 victory.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar