Latest news with #CraigFulton
The Hindu
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Hindu
We want to stay No. 1 in Asia and get back to winning ways: Fulton
Going in as genuine contenders for a World Cup spot through the FIH Pro League and returning with just one win, seven successive defeats and second-from-last position was not part of the plan for the Indian men's hockey team on the European leg of the competition but coach Craig Fulton is in no mood to press the panic button. With just over a month to go for the Asia Cup — the next opportunity for the team to book a 2026 World Cup spot — Fulton is keen on learning from the negatives of the tour, building on the positives and staying focussed on the main prize. As the team prepares for an important Australia tour, Fulton spoke about a wide range of issues including taking responsibility of the performances, developing a strong bench and keeping emotions apart from facts to move ahead. Excerpts: What is your takeaway from the European leg of the Pro league? It was disappointing by the results in terms of what our expectations were. There were small moments in every game that didn't go according to plan. At the same time, we were competitive and could have easily drawn or won some of those games, so it was quite frustrating. A lot of it comes down to small moments, restarts, a little bit of defending, outletting under high pressure, penalty corner defence and attack. Normally, we're pretty good in those areas. And for some reason, it just didn't work out the way we wanted it to. We've got a plan for improving those areas. Still, there were some positives. Against Holland, we pressed really well, we had a fantastic second game. We matched them for circle entries, we had more PCs. Unfortunately, we just couldn't score. There were big moments in games that we didn't take. We tried a new tactical system, a zonal system. In February, we did more man-to-man system. Now we have both, so yeah, it's a good block of reflection for us and discovery. How do you deal with something like seven straight defeats as a coach? It was extremely difficult. I've been through that once before with the Ireland men. I think we had eight straight defeats before we played the Rio Olympics, because we were playing teams better than us. But in this situation, there's more of an expectation that you would beat teams around you or even ranked above you. The boys felt frustrated that we were doing the right things but couldn't finish. And then we would make mistakes and lose by a goal. But you win or you learn. It's really on you to take those tough lessons and turn them into reality. Take away the emotions and find the facts. We couldn't finish the fourth quarter like we started the first. There are lessons everywhere, we've had a good reflection on them. We'll now bring out those lessons and put them into training. I think one of the games, it might have been the Argentina match, where at the start of every quarter, we conceded a goal, straight up after scoring. It's just a lapse in concentration and I'll take full responsibility for not having prepped the group the way it needed to be. But that's what happened, we can't brush that under the carpet. We have to man up and be accountable for that. I know the guys want to fix it. And they know they can fix it. Especially going into the Asia Cup and beyond, that's our priority for the year. We've got a lot of good teams wanting to win this tournament, get direct World Cup qualification. We want to stay number one in Asia and get back to winning ways. Could you elaborate on the team's frustrations during that losing streak? You have an expectation to play well, get the results, and then it doesn't happen. How do you bounce back, stay together, not blame? How do you just stick together and make sure that your values shine through on the pitch? Your work rate, discipline is there. It's frustrating for the player and for the team. Because what if it happens in a tournament? How are you still able to win important matches if you're not at full strength? You have to find a way to win. I think also when you add one or two injuries to that, that was a difficult period. But it's also an opening for others to take more responsibility. And that's also really important in a programme where you want to qualify for the World Cup. You mentioned different structures you've been trying since the start of this year... There's always a story behind the results. We're preparing ourselves for tournament hockey and different oppositions. When you come to the World Cup, there's world opposition. Not everyone plays the same way. We're already looking at that a year out. What we are pleased with is the tactics we chose and the way we played. We could do both. We didn't get the results per se but at a tournament, you would have 16 or 18 players and with each performance, they can get better. When you have 24 players, everyone needs an opportunity to play, so it's not perfect. At the same time, we showed that we were competitive enough in the tactics we chose and that the players could implement those tactics. We didn't get the results but we can certainly get better in certain areas. We have to focus on PC defences and attacks, the final third, conceding soft goals along the baseline, things like that. But that's fixable and trainable. Do you take heart from the fact that there were similar results before the Paris Olympics but the team went on to win a medal? You see the lessons you have to learn behind the scenes. Is it pleasant losing five in a row? No, it's the most frustrating place to be. But as long as you turn those lessons into something tangible, it's worth it. They're exposing where you're actually weak and that's what you need. If you don't and you go and play them in a big tournament, then it's on you. I'm glad we did a good job with that. We have to do a good job with these results now, moving forward. How important was the Pro League in terms of assessing the conditions for the World Cup? Very important. It's also why we got the Indian-A team to play matches in Holland and Belgium, so there's seeds planted around, 'this is where it's going to be. This is what's going to happen'. Although we're not playing at the tournament venue, it's away from India and that's really important because it's easy for an Indian team to play in India, the support is phenomenal. It's how an Indian team performs away that is the true mark of how the programme is set up and how successful it is. We're trying to do a lot of games outside India so that they don't have full support in the build-up games. A World Cup won't be any different. You've repeatedly spoken about Harmanpreet and how he was missed with injury. Is there any thought on how the team wants to go ahead when he's not there on field? I think there's a short and long-term view on this because obviously Harman's not going to play for the national team forever. But while he's here, how do we find someone who can support him? Amit has a different skill-set, he can flick and hit. Jugraj has a good flick, Rajinder and Sanjay have been trialled, Neelam's been tested. But yes, it's difficult to replace Harmanpreet. It's not something that you think about because while you have him, he's a powerful force. At the same time, when you don't have him for four or five games, it makes a big difference. But that's a good problem to have. Yes, there's a challenge to replace Harman but we're not replacing him right now. We also have some variations, options that we haven't used yet. Following up on that, there's just three weeks between the World Cup and the Asian Games next year and both are important. In that sense, how crucial is it to actually find backups, not just for Harman but for every role? This is exactly why we we did the tour with the India-A squad. We're looking to build depth within our squad. We had a training camp with 40-odd players but it's like two squads, for the specific reason you've just mentioned. No one else in the world I think has their World Cup and three weeks later their Olympic qualifiers. It's a massive challenge. We are trying to build depth and then, as we go into the next three, six, nine months, we'll have a better idea on the specific positions we need backups for. We've got a good idea of it. But once you start playing games, and once we qualify, then we'll know what we really need. The key is that the Indian-A team keeps playing games and gives these younger players opportunities and I think it'll benefit Indian hockey in the long run. What is the plan going forward? There's a block of four friendly matches in Australia. We take a squad of 24 and we'll do selection try-outs there. We'll have 20 players that go to Bihar, 18 in the squad and two standbys.
Time of India
09-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Hockey: India aim to bounce back at Asia Cup after reality check in FIH Pro League
India's men's hockey coach Craig Fulton. (File) Bengaluru: India struggled during the European leg of the FIH Pro League last month, losing seven of their eight matches against top teams such as Argentina, Australia, Belgium, and the Netherlands. For the Indian team, this was a tough reality check, especially as they had aimed to secure a World Cup berth. They narrowly missed the wooden spoon, finishing above bottom-placed Ireland. This experience served as a wake-up call for the team. However, there is hope on the horizon. The Men in Blue are now focusing on the Asia Cup, which begins late next month in Rajgir, Bihar. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! The competition offers India a chance to qualify for the World Cup scheduled to take place in the Netherlands and Belgium in Aug next year. Preparations are already underway, with a training camp set to begin on Monday. Additionally, a squad of 24 players will be taken to Australia for a two-week camp that will include friendly matches. From them, 20 players (including two standbys) will be selected for the continental competition. 'The Asia Cup is a priority for the year. We want to remain the No. 1 in Asia, and we know many strong teams will be vying for victory to secure direct qualification. We must respect all our opponents, but we are focused on improving from our performance in the Pro League and returning to winning form,' said India's head coach Craig Fulton during a virtual interaction on Tuesday. India, currently ranked No. 8 in the world, is the highest-ranked team in Asia and will enter the tournament as favourites. However, challengers like Pakistan (WR 15), Malaysia (12), and South Korea (13) could give the home team a tough competition. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Time of India
09-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Fulton stresses on playing abroad in build-up to WC, Oly
With the Indian men's hockey team losing seven successive matches during the recent European leg of the Pro League, coach Craig Fulton expectedly termed the performance "disappointing" during a virtual press meet on Tuesday. However, he is already looking to the future and can't wait to see the India 'A' team play in Europe and get accustomed to playing outside India considering the upcoming major events — the World Cup and the Olympics — will be held abroad. The team, coached by Shivendra Singh, who is also the assistant coach of the Indian men's hockey team, and led by Sanjay, began their campaign on Tuesday against Ireland and will play seven more matches during the tour. They will face Ireland again on Wednesday before playing twice against France and the Netherlands and once against England and Belgium. While they will play seven matches at Hockey Club Oranje-Rood in Eindhoven, the Netherlands, they will face off against Belgium at Sportcentrum Wilrijkse Plein in Antwerp, Belgium. "Although we're not playing at the tournament venue, it's just away from India. That's really important because it's quite easy for an Indian team to play in India. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Are you 18-79 with no funeral insurance? Talk to NZ Seniors today NZ Seniors Get Quote Undo by Taboola by Taboola There everything's on a plate for them. The support is phenomenal," Fulton said in a virtual interaction from the Netherlands. "How an Indian team performs away from home is the true mark of how the programme is set up and how successful it is. So we're trying to do a lot of games outside India for that exact reason, so that they don't have the full support in all the build-up games." The India 'A' tour is even more crucial because the coach has a unique challenge on his hands — to prepare the team for the World Cup and the Asian Games that will be held just three weeks apart next year. "It's a massive challenge, so we are trying to build depth within the positions. As we go in the next three, six, nine months, we'll have a better idea on where we need back up. But once we start to play games and once we qualify, we'll know what we really need," the coach said. "But the key is that the India 'A' team keeps playing games and these younger players get the opportunity. And I think it'll benefit hockey India in the long run immensely." Moreover, the coach also wants to have someone in the team who will be able to compliment Harmanpreet Singh, as far as penalty corners are concerned and 'A' team players Amandeep Lakra, Sanjay, Varun and Rajinder Singh will all be looking to cement that spot. "We'll be monitoring them and seeing how they approach the PCs. It's a challenge replacing Harman, but we're not replacing him now, that's for sure. But at the same time we have to find someone to compliment him and we can also have some variations," added the coach.
Time of India
08-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Fulton's men look to bounce back
Bengaluru: India struggled during the European leg of the FIH Pro League last month, losing seven of their eight matches against top teams such as Argentina, Australia, Belgium, and the Netherlands. For the Indian team, this was a tough reality check, especially as they had aimed to secure a World Cup berth. They narrowly missed the wooden spoon, finishing above bottom-placed Ireland. This experience served as a wake-up call for the team. However, there is hope on the horizon. The Men in Blue are now focusing on the Asia Cup, which begins late next month in Rajgir, Bihar. The competition offers India a chance to qualify for the World Cup scheduled to take place in the Netherlands and Belgium in Aug next year. Preparations are already underway, with a training camp set to begin on Monday. Additionally, a squad of 24 players will be taken to Australia for a two-week camp that will include friendly matches. From them, 20 players (including two standbys) will be selected for the continental competition. You Can Also Check: Bengaluru AQI | Weather in Bengaluru | Bank Holidays in Bengaluru | Public Holidays in Bengaluru "The Asia Cup is a priority for the year. We want to remain the No. 1 in Asia, and we know many strong teams will be vying for victory to secure direct qualification. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Wolfsburg: Nur 700 Plätze. Werden Sie Testhörer für die neuen Hörgeräte ohne Zuzahlung. Gutes Hören Undo We must respect all our opponents, but we are focused on improving from our performance in the Pro League and returning to winning form," said India's head coach Craig Fulton during a virtual interaction on Tuesday. India, currently ranked No. 8 in the world, is the highest-ranked team in Asia and will enter the tournament as favourites. However, challengers like Pakistan (WR 15), Malaysia (12), and South Korea (13) could give the home team a tough competition. The Indian team must utilise the next seven weeks to address their weaknesses and bring their best performance to Rajgir. One major concern has been the performance of the backline, as they conceded 26 goals in eight matches last month. They allowed some soft goals that frustrated Fulton, who emphasises a solid defensive strategy. Also, teams frequently scored late, contributing to India's losses. India also felt the absence of their captain, Harmanpreet Singh , who missed several matches due to a finger injury. "He got hit with the ball on his finger, which opened it up. Losing your captain during critical moments is always challenging, and someone else needs to step up to fill that void. It was a tough period for us, but we are fully focused on the Asia Cup now and have learned some hard lessons," Fulton remarked.
Hindustan Times
08-07-2025
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
India will learn from mistakes and Pro League low: Craig Fulton
NEW DELHI: The European leg of the FIH Pro League was expected to provide the Indian men's hockey team a ticket to the 2026 World Cup. However, it ended as one of their worst campaigns in recent history with seven losses on the trot and an eighth place in the nine-team league, just about escaping the ignominy of relegation. File picture of Craig Fulton with the Indian men's hockey team. (Hockey India) Indian forwards were on the mark. At 20.25%, the penalty corner (PC) battery had a fairly good conversion rate. In four of the seven losses, India took the lead. Against Australia, they were even 2-0 up. Yet they lost seven of their eight games – six by one goal. 'It was disappointing in terms of what our expectations were. But looking back, there were just small moments in every game that didn't go according to plan. At the same time, we were very competitive and could have easily drawn or won some of those games. So, it was quite frustrating,' India chief coach Craig Fulton said from Eindhoven where he has taken India A on an eight-game tour of Europe. 'We had a break, reflected and looked at areas that we want to improve. A lot of it comes down to small moments, restarts, a little bit of defending, a little bit of out-letting under high pressure, and then PC defence and attack. That's always where it makes the biggest difference. We've got a plan for improving those areas. Normally, we're pretty good in those areas. For some reason, it just didn't work out.' Though an elite event, the Pro League is normally used by teams to try out tactics and players. South Africa had used the home leg in February to test their man-to-man system. In Europe, they tried out a new zonal system, which didn't yield results. So, South African Fulton isn't worried. 'Because of our trials, now we have both (two systems) where we didn't have both before. So, it's a good block of reflection for us and discovery. But yes (7 losses), it was extremely difficult. (Many times) we couldn't finish the fourth quarter like we started the first half,' said Fulton, who guided India to the Paris Olympics bronze. 'We would make 1-2 mistakes and lose the game by a goal. But I always like the mantra, you win or you learn. And it's really on you to take those tough lessons and turn them into reality. We need to make certain that we're better in these areas.' Fulton cited the example of last year's tour of Australia which India miserably lost 0-5 before turning up at the Olympics to beat them for the first time in 52 years, which he said was only possible by learning from mistakes. 'Is it pleasant losing five in a row? But as long as you turn those lessons into something tangible (going forward), then it's worth it. Because they're exposing where you're actually weak. That's what you need. You need to know that. Because if you don't and you go and play them in a big tournament and you haven't covered those areas, then it's on you.' With the Pro League opportunity gone, the next ticket to the 2026 World Cup will be offered at the Asia Cup to be held from August 27-September 7 in Rajgir. India have dominated the continent in the last couple of years, having won the 2023 Asian Games and the 2023 and 2024 Asian Champions Trophy. 'That's our priority for the year. 100%. We want to stay No.1 in Asia. We've got a lot of good teams wanting to win this tournament to get direct qualification. We have to respect all our opposition. But we know we've got a job to do on improving from the Pro League and get back to winning ways,' said Fulton, who will be taking the team to Australia for two weeks for a training camp and friendly games before the Asia Cup.
