A Focus on the Bigger Picture
Indian hockey head coach Craig Fulton has emphasized the importance of maintaining confidence in the national men's team, despite its challenging performance in the FIH Pro League. He highlighted that the long-term goals of qualifying for the Hockey World Cup and excelling in the Asian Games remain the central focus.
During the FIH Pro League, Team India finished in eighth place out of nine teams. The team managed only six wins in 16 matches, with seven consecutive losses. They conceded a total of 23 goals while scoring just 14, which reflects the difficulties faced during this period.
Fulton acknowledged the team's inconsistency but stressed that the current phase is part of a broader development plan. “We have to be honest about our performances. We were not consistent enough,” he said. “We tried different tactics in Bhubaneswar and Europe. We are building, and it is not like we are a finished outfit.”
He also pointed out that the FIH Pro League should not define the team’s overall progress. “If it was about the FIH Pro League, then judge us on that, but it is not that, it is about qualifying for the 2026 Hockey World Cup, and it is about winning the Asian Games. So that’s where we are in the bigger picture,” he added.
Evolution and New Opportunities
Under Fulton’s leadership, Team India secured a bronze medal at the Paris Olympics, marking their second consecutive Olympic medal. However, the period following the Games has been difficult, with injuries and a demanding schedule. Despite these challenges, the team has been evolving, with new players joining the core squad.
“We had a tough time after Paris. We played a tournament three weeks after the Games, and we had injuries. We have given a lot of opportunities for players to join the training squad,” Fulton explained. “Then we had the Hockey India League and then the Pro League in Bhubaneswar. We got about 29 players in the tournament, and it is good to have new faces in the group.”
The coach noted that the squad is undergoing significant changes, with the goal of creating more depth for future competitions, including the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. “There have been lots of changes... and the only constant is change. The squad is evolving, and by bringing in more players, we are trying to create more depth for LA 2028 Olympics.”
Challenges and Lessons Learned
Fulton admitted that the team struggled to maintain momentum from the home phase of the FIH Pro League into the European leg. They managed only one win away from home, in the final match against Belgium, where skipper Harmanpreet Singh returned after missing five matches due to injury.
He expressed mixed feelings about the team's performance during the tournament, pointing out that they were not the most efficient in terms of scoring goals. “We were not the most proficient team in terms of scoring goals. If we are not scoring and still conceding, then there is a problem, and that is what shows,” he said.
Team India conceded 38 goals compared to 34 scored, highlighting areas that need improvement. The coach is now shifting his focus to the Asia Cup in Rajgir, Bihar, scheduled from August 27 to September 7. A successful performance here will secure a spot for the team in the next year’s Hockey World Cup.
Preparing for the Future
Fulton expressed confidence in the team’s ability to perform well at home. “The team is proud and happy to play at home. Plus, we will have the 'extra man' in the crowd,” he said, emphasizing the support from fans.
As the team moves forward, the focus remains on continuous improvement, adapting to challenges, and preparing for major international events. With a strong core and new talent entering the squad, the path ahead looks promising for Indian hockey.
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