As the Indian men’s hockey team prepares for the upcoming FIH Hockey Pro League season, head coach Craig Fulton and captain Harmanpreet Singh are focused on a successful campaign. This season holds significance as India will also compete in the World Cup in Belgium and the Netherlands, as well as the Asian Games in Japan, aiming for a direct qualification to the Los Angeles Olympics. The Pro League serves as crucial early preparation for the team, allowing them to experiment with combinations and test young players to strengthen the squad for the challenging year ahead.
In an interview with the FIH, Fulton and Harmanpreet discussed their strategies, expectations, and the obstacles they anticipate facing. The home leg of the FIH Hockey Pro League in Rourkela marks the beginning of a pivotal year for the team. Fulton highlighted the role of the recently concluded Hockey India League in shaping selection decisions for the Pro League, emphasizing the importance of monitoring emerging talents and considering them for the upcoming matches.
Traditionally, India has performed well during home fixtures, a trend attributed to strong crowd support and the pressure of meeting expectations. Fulton emphasized the significance of starting the season on a positive note at home, urging fans in Rourkela to rally behind the team during the matches. Captain Harmanpreet Singh echoed these sentiments, underlining the team’s focus on the Pro League home leg following the conclusion of the Hockey India League.
Reflecting on the previous season, Fulton acknowledged that while results in Europe fell short of expectations, the team displayed resilience and competitiveness. Despite the challenges faced, including a demanding travel schedule, the team’s victory in the Asia Cup and qualification for the World Cup showcased their determination and character. Managing workload and performance amidst a packed schedule will be a key challenge early in the season, with Fulton emphasizing the need to work with a larger squad and explore different combinations.
Harmanpreet emphasized the value of the FIH Hockey Pro League in providing a platform to compete against top teams globally and prepare for upcoming major tournaments. He highlighted the opportunity to test new combinations and strategies during the Pro League matches. Acknowledging his leadership role, Harmanpreet credited the wider leadership group within the squad for their support and shared responsibilities, making his role enjoyable and effective.
With strong support from home fans, emerging talent, and a busy international calendar ahead, India aims to kickstart their FIH Hockey Pro League campaign positively, setting the stage for the challenges that await them.
