Indian men's hockey is experiencing an exciting renaissance under the guidance of head coach Craig Fulton, who has already proven his winning formula by leading the team to Asian Games gold in Hangzhou. Now, the South African coach is embracing an even more ambitious challenge with characteristic optimism and strategic vision.

In an inspiring display of confidence, Fulton is preparing his squad for back-to-back marquee events in 2026: the FIH World Cup in August followed by the Asian Games in September, which doubles as an Olympic qualifier for LA 2028. While the tight three-week gap between tournaments presents a unique challenge, the coach sees it as an opportunity to showcase India's evolving strength and depth.

"Our objective is to perform well in both tournaments," Fulton shared warmly. He's particularly excited about the World Cup, noting the deep emotional connection it holds for Indian hockey fans. "The World Cup carries enormous history and emotion—the last time India won gold was in 1975," he reflected, highlighting the incredible opportunity before the current generation of players.

The key to Fulton's optimistic approach lies in building exceptional squad depth. Rather than viewing this as a burden, he's transforming it into an advantage. The coach is developing two complementary groups—a core team that will anchor both tournaments, supported by fresh legs and different combinations to maintain peak performance throughout this demanding period.

The strategy is already showing promising results. The India-A team's participation in the Sultan Azlan Shah tournament allowed senior players valuable rest while identifying emerging talent. "That's why we have the India-A team," Fulton explained, emphasizing the forward-thinking nature of Indian hockey's current development pathway.

The revitalized Hockey India League is proving to be another exciting avenue for talent discovery. Fulton is keenly observing performances, particularly around matches 10 to 15, to identify players with the consistency and skill needed for international competition. "What we're looking for in the HIL is future potential," he said, demonstrating his commitment to building a sustainable pipeline of world-class talent.

The depth of talent is particularly encouraging in specialized positions. India now boasts five quality goalkeepers, including promising newcomer Prince Deep Singh. "It's a healthy situation," Fulton noted with satisfaction. Beyond captain Harmanpreet Singh, the team has developed multiple drag-flickers who scored several penalty-corner goals at the Sultan Azlan Shah tournament, giving India "real firepower in penalty corners."

Versatile players like Sanjay, who captained the team at Sultan Azlan Shah and can operate in multiple defensive positions, exemplify the tactical flexibility Fulton is cultivating. This adaptability will be crucial during the intense tournament period ahead.

As Indian hockey moves toward these historic opportunities, there's a palpable sense of excitement and possibility. With strategic planning, emerging talent, and a coach who believes deeply in his squad's potential, the team is well-positioned not just to compete, but to excel on the world stage. The future of Indian hockey has rarely looked brighter.