Indian men’s hockey chief coach Craig Fulton has made it clear that India will stick with a single squad for both the upcoming FIH Hockey World Cup and the Asian Games, putting an end to speculation about fielding separate teams. With the two major tournaments scheduled just weeks apart, there were concerns about workload and player fatigue, but Fulton emphasised that team selection will revolve around one core group.

The World Cup is set to take place in Belgium and the Netherlands from August 15 to 30, while the Asian Games—an important Olympic qualifier—will be held in Japan from September 19 to October 4. Despite the tight schedule, Fulton stated that India has already been preparing for this challenge, highlighting the importance of continuity and cohesion within the squad.

Fulton acknowledged that the scheduling is demanding, especially for Asian teams that must compete in both tournaments within a short span. However, he pointed out that India had started building depth in the squad well in advance by developing an “India A” team, ensuring enough bench strength to handle back-to-back high-intensity competitions.

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He further explained that striking the right balance between performance and development is crucial. While winning remains the ultimate goal, Fulton stressed that not every tournament is solely about results, as some are used to test new players and build long-term squad strength. This approach, he said, is essential to prepare for unforeseen situations like injuries to key players.

Reflecting on recent performances, including the FIH Pro League, Fulton admitted that results have not been ideal but described them as part of a broader strategy to rotate players and experiment with combinations. With a nine-week training window ahead, he expressed confidence that the team will regroup, regain fitness, and be fully prepared for both marquee events.

India has been placed in a challenging pool alongside Pakistan, England, and Wales in the World Cup. While the India-Pakistan clash always draws attention, Fulton maintained that the team’s primary focus will remain on its overall performance and preparation rather than any single high-profile match.

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