India Hockey Coach Craig Fulton Eyes World Cup Berth: 'Objective Is To Be No.1 In Asia'

Last Updated:August 28, 2025, 21:05 IST

Craig Fulton calls the Asia Cup the flagship event for India as they seek World Cup qualification. Harmanpreet Singh and Paddy Upton focus on mental strength ahead of the opener.

Indian men's hockey team head coach Craig Fulton (PTI)

The Asia Cup is the “flagship event" of the year for the Indian men’s hockey team, according to chief coach Craig Fulton, as it represents the last opportunity for his team to qualify for next year’s World Cup.

After a disappointing campaign in the European leg of the Pro League, India failed to secure World Cup qualification. They now need to win the continental championship to earn a spot in the World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands from August 14 to 30 next year.

India will begin their Asia Cup campaign against China on Friday.

“This is our flagship event of the year, so we are putting everything in this tournament. We want to grow in the tournament but at the same time the prize is big, direct qualification and that’s what we are after," Fulton said during the pre-match press conference on Thursday.

“If you qualify from here we will have a year’s programme set. We haven’t won the tournament for a while and the objective is to be No.1 in Asia and we will be pushing hard for the next 10 days," the coach added.

India last won the Asia Cup eight years ago in Dhaka in 2017 and finished third in the last edition.

What Did Fulton Say?

Fulton mentioned that he has addressed the issues identified during the European leg of the Pro League.

“We had some really close games in the Pro League but the results didn’t go our way. We were playing well, we just couldn’t finish in the fourth quarter. We created chances but we were not as efficient as with PCs or field goals.

“But we had a really good training camp. We have put a lot of emphasis on tactics like how to get the ball more into the D and create scoring chances and be a bit more effective on the scoreboard.

“Obviously we will have to have the level of defence from the team. If we are scoring goals and then also conceding goals you don’t win games. So that was the problem which was happening in the Pro League. So we have put real emphasis these areas."

The South African coach opted for experience over introducing new players, given the high stakes of World Cup qualification.

“We had a big squad, 24 (in Australia tour). Some younger players came into the squad so they needed games. So the first two games was about giving opportunity to younger players and game 3 and 4 was selection for the Asia Cup. It was competitive.

“It would not be wise in my opinion to expose younger players in a qualifying tournament. Use your experience to get through that and then you will have one year to blood in younger players," Fulton insisted.

Understanding the tournament’s significance, India has enlisted the help of renowned mental conditioning coach Paddy Upton, who has previously worked with the team for the Paris Olympics.

“It’s pretty specific, it’s to connect with individual players. We had a really good build up to Paris and then not so much contact with Paddy as we were building the squad.

“And now it is qualifier so we are using those resources to qualify. Paddy is fully responsible for the mental approach and mindset of the team," Fulton said.

What Did Harmanpreet Say?

India captain Harmanpreet Singh echoed his coach’s sentiments.

“What the coach is thinking the team is thinking on the same lines. We had an opportunity in Pro League but unfortunately results didn’t favour us. Our mindset is not to take any team lightly," he said.

“We are expecting new tactics from China and it will be a tough match. Every team has come here to win so we can’t take anyone lightly."

The ace drag-flicker highlighted the importance of mental toughness and said Upton’s guidance would benefit the players.

“Paddy is with us. The mindset is to be positive and be on guard from the first whistle. Of course, Paddy is giving us tough situations and we all give different opinions but in the end we come to same page and stick to it.

“Mindset is to remain active always. Whatever we have learnt in the Pro League we shouldn’t repeat those mistakes here," Harmanpreet said.

The skipper stated that they have worked on their mistakes from the Pro League and pledged not to repeat them.

“Pro League was a tough time for our team. As a team we faced it but we are not blaming anyone. We are united. Defence is our first priority as a team, we will keep that area strong. We also need to capitalise on the opportunities we get," he said.

(With inputs from PTI)

Ritayan Basu

Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes cricket content, havin...Read More

Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes cricket content, havin...

Read More

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First Published:

August 28, 2025, 21:05 IST

News sports India Hockey Coach Craig Fulton Eyes World Cup Berth: 'Objective Is To Be No.1 In Asia'

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