In a period of just over a year, Indian hockey found its moment of resurrection again under a new coach, Craig Fulton. The Indian hockey team scripted a podium finish as it clinched the bronze medal at the Paris Olympics. India won two consecutive medals in hockey in the Olympics, Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024, for the first time since 1972. This incredible feat came against the backdrop of the Hockey World Cup last year in which India was shockingly eliminated early after finishing ninth.
Fulton, who was hired in March 2023, had big responsibilities on his shoulders when he took the reins of a despondent Indian team. The Indian hockey team was woeful after the debacle of the 2023 World Cup at home. A shock wave had seized Indian hockey and its supporters who had high expectations to win a medal in the 16-team quadrennial event since the 1975 World Cup. Such expectations were attributed to the team’s resurgence as Olympic bronze medalists at the Tokyo Games in 2021. Head Coach Craig Fulton is credited with being the master of a massive turnaround at the Paris Games with his tactics and belief in the players.
Craig Fulton’s Philosophy Sowed a Belief in India
Fulton not only brought his philosophy and tactics to the team but also he focused on building chemistry with players. He tried to find a balance between youth and experience in the team along with defining the roles of the players. It became evident at the time of the squad announcement for the Paris Games in which Craig Fulton betted on experienced players like Mandeep Singh and Lalit Upadhyay. While leaving out promising youngsters like Araijeet Singh Hundal and Mohammed Raheel, he might have seemed extra-conservative in his approach to the observers of Indian Hockey. However, it turned out to work well for the coach and the team when it mattered the most.
The former South African did not interfere with the natural DNA of Indian hockey to play the counterattacking game. Nevertheless, he wanted to build something that the Indian team lacked, a strong defense, even if it comes at the cost of slowing down the game. His approach concentrated on taking control on the pitch and improving efficiency inside the circle by creating small chances. But, at the same time, Craig Fulton also backed the strength of the players. This was his way to earn the trust of his players to get the best out of them.
Results Speak the Volume
Craig Fulton’s manoeuvre was best on display in the quarterfinal game against Great Britain where India played with only ten men for almost three quarters. Indian players also trusted his set of tactics. The collective efforts of Craig Fulton and the Indian team resulted in a remarkable campaign at the Paris Olympics, especially when the Indian team was not the favorites in the competition. India also ended their victory drought against Australia after defeating them by 3-2 in a pool B match at the group stage.
Fulton’s approach might not look eye-catching and sensational, however, it may surely result in more success for Indian hockey. Because it’s Craig Fulton who holds the stick that could guide Indian Hockey to its next goal.
