Olympic Qualification Vital, but World Cup Also Holds Deep History: India Hockey Coach Craig Fulton

Indian men’s hockey team head coach Craig Fulton has underlined the challenge of balancing Olympic qualification ambitions with the emotional and historical significance of the FIH Hockey World Cup, as India prepares for a packed international calendar in 2026.

India will compete in the FIH Hockey World Cup in August, followed closely by the Asian Games in September — a tournament that also serves as a qualification pathway for the Los Angeles Olympics 2028. With just a three-week gap between the two marquee events, Fulton acknowledged that managing player workload and peak performance will be demanding.

The coach stressed that while Olympic qualification remains the top priority, the World Cup carries unmatched emotional value for Indian hockey. India last lifted the men’s World Cup title in 1975, a legacy Fulton said continues to inspire players and fans alike.

According to Fulton, the solution lies in building squad depth. He revealed that the team management is working towards creating two strong units — a core group capable of featuring in both tournaments, supported by rotating combinations and fresh players to maintain intensity and fitness across the schedule.

Building Depth Through Development Pathways

Fulton highlighted the importance of the India A setup and exposure tours in strengthening the talent pipeline. Younger players have been given opportunities at international tournaments, while senior players have been rested strategically to ensure long-term readiness.

He also emphasised the role of the Hockey India League in identifying future prospects. While immediate selection from the league into major tournaments is unlikely, Fulton said consistent performances could place players on the radar for upcoming international fixtures, including the FIH Pro League.

Assessing Young Talent and Tactical Options

The coach praised the versatility of emerging defenders, noting that multi-position capability is becoming a key selection criterion. He also pointed to improved depth in goalkeeping, calling the availability of multiple reliable goalkeepers a healthy sign for the team’s future.

On the attacking front, Fulton said India has developed greater variety in penalty-corner execution, with multiple drag-flickers stepping up. While field goals remain an area of improvement, he expressed confidence in the team’s growing firepower from set pieces.

With preparations underway across formats and competitions, Fulton reiterated that India’s aim is to perform strongly at both the World Cup and the Asian Games — a demanding task, but one the team is fully committed to achieving.