India’s Men’s Hockey Coach Craig Fulton Prepares for Paris 2024 with Trust-Building Focus

News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/23rd July 2024

As India’s men’s hockey team arrives in Paris, poised to surpass the bronze medal they won in Tokyo, their new coach Craig Fulton is eager to see the results of his meticulous preparations. Having taken over the team 14 months ago, Fulton has concentrated on establishing a foundation of trust and cohesion among the players. Speaking to PTI from the Paris Games Village, Fulton emphasized that his primary goal has been to foster a supportive and united team environment.

To enhance his strategy, Fulton enlisted the help of renowned mental conditioning coach Paddy Upton, who was instrumental in the Indian cricket team’s 2011 ODI World Cup victory. Upton’s presence in Paris is expected to bolster the team’s mental resilience and performance.

Fulton organized a preparatory camp in Switzerland with Swiss explorer Mike Horn, known for his adventurous spirit, to build team spirit and unity. Following this, the team undertook a nine-day training stint in the Netherlands, including several practice matches to sharpen their skills.

The Indian team’s efforts to break a 41-year-old medal drought at the Tokyo Olympics were notable under former coach Graham Reid. However, Reid’s resignation after a less-than-satisfactory World Cup campaign led to Fulton’s appointment. Recognizing the heightened expectations following Tokyo, Fulton is committed to continuing India’s rich hockey legacy. Despite the pressure, he remains cautious about predicting a podium finish, given the intense competition among the top 12 teams. Fulton stressed the importance of the initial three matches, which will be crucial in setting the tone for the tournament.

India’s 16-member squad in Paris includes 11 players from the Tokyo team and five newcomers. Fulton, however, is focused on ensuring the right team combination rather than the number of experienced versus new players. Veteran goalkeeper P.R. Sreejesh, who is competing in his fourth Olympics, will retire after the Games, adding an emotional element to the team’s campaign.

India faces a challenging pool, featuring formidable opponents such as Australia, reigning Olympic champions Belgium, Argentina, New Zealand, and Ireland. Their tournament begins on July 27 against New Zealand, with subsequent matches against Argentina, Ireland, Belgium, and Australia. Fulton remains pragmatic, stressing the importance of focusing on one match at a time and taking it step by step.

In preparation for the upcoming Asian Champions Trophy in September, Hockey India has announced a core probable group for the men’s national camp in Bengaluru. This camp will include players not selected for the Paris Olympics as well as members from the development and junior teams. Following their return from Paris, the Olympic squad will join the camp on August 24, with sessions concluding on September 4.

Fulton’s approach, combining trust-building with rigorous preparation, aims to set the stage for a successful Olympic campaign. With the team’s focus on improving from their past performance and tackling each opponent strategically, the Indian hockey team hopes to make a significant impact at the Paris Olympics.