Now Reading: Craig Fulton hails India’s fighting spirit after sealing 2026 World Cup spot | Hockey News
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Craig Fulton hails India’s fighting spirit after sealing 2026 World Cup spot | Hockey News
Craig Fulton hails India’s fighting spirit after sealing 2026 World Cup spot | Hockey News
India’s males’s hockey group capped off a memorable marketing campaign on the Asia Cup 2025 in Rajgir, Bihar, with a shocking 4-1 win over defending champions South Korea to carry the title for the fourth time. The victory not solely cemented India’s standing as Asia’s high aspect but in addition booked them a spot on the 2026 FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup within the Netherlands and Belgium. For skipper Harmanpreet Singh, the triumph was about proving themselves worthy of their No.1 rating and making certain qualification for subsequent 12 months’s showpiece occasion. “We came into this tournament as the top side in Asia, and we wanted to live up to that. The start wasn’t ideal, but in the last three matches we raised our level. It showed what we are capable of as a team, and I am proud of how everyone performed,” Harmanpreet mentioned in a Hockey India launch. The captain additionally mirrored on the turnaround towards Korea, who had held India to a 2-2 draw within the Super 4s. “That draw was a setback, but we wanted to put things right in the final. I was especially pleased with how strong our defence was, while the forwards created and converted chances. Now the focus shifts to the World Cup, and we have a year to prepare,” he added. Head coach Craig Fulton lauded the group’s resilience by means of the 10-day match, pointing to their capacity to bounce again from robust moments. “Seven matches in 10 days in these conditions is no small task. The players showed real grit and played like champions. Even when we drew against Korea earlier, we dominated the stats. That performance set us up well for the knockout games,” he mentioned. Looking forward, Fulton outlined a busy calendar with the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, a tour of South Africa, the Hockey India League and the Pro League, all constructing in direction of the World Cup. “We have a year to prepare, but for now, it’s important to enjoy this moment,” he added. The group will now take a brief two-week break earlier than assembling at SAI Bengaluru in November to start preparations for the Sultan Azlan Shah match in Malaysia.
