Craig Fulton, the head coach of the Indian men’s hockey team, has articulated a strategic roadmap that prioritizes continental supremacy as the prerequisite for global success. Speaking to PTI in an interview reported by ThePrint, Fulton explained that India’s recent achievements in Asian competitions have laid the groundwork for a sustained effort to break into the world’s top four. He noted that the team’s ability to qualify for major events is now rooted in their performance within Asia, which has become a consistent pathway for the national side.
Under Fulton’s leadership, which began in May 2023, India has secured back-to-back gold medals at the Asian Games and three consecutive Asian Champions Trophy titles. ThePrint reported that the team won the Asian Games in Hangzhou in 2022 and defended that title in Aichi-Nagoya in 2026. Additionally, the squad completed a hat-trick of Asian Champions Trophy victories in Chennai, China, and Punjab. Fulton expressed pride in this consistency, noting that it took three and a half years to establish such dominance in the region.
Despite these regional successes, Fulton acknowledged that India’s performance at the World Cup remains a significant area for improvement. He observed that motivation levels are typically higher at the Olympics, where India recently won a bronze medal and defeated Australia for the first time in 50 years, compared to the World Cup. Fulton attributed some of the World Cup difficulties to the demanding international calendar, which saw the two tournaments scheduled just three weeks apart this year, complicating preparation and recovery for the players.
With early qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics secured, Fulton and his staff are now focusing on systematic planning for the Games. ThePrint noted that the immediate priority is widening the talent pool by giving younger players exposure to international competition. Fulton is leading an India A team to New Zealand this weekend to assess emerging talent, while a fresh squad is expected to be assembled for the Pro League. The coach also outlined plans for overseas training camps in Europe in 2027 and away fixtures against Australia, Argentina, and South Africa to prepare the team for the Olympic campaign.