Despite India’s eighth-place finish in the 2025-26 FIH Pro League, men’s hockey head coach Craig Fulton believes the team’s steady improvement has laid a solid platform for the challenges that lie ahead, with the FIH Hockey World Cup and Asian Games now firmly in focus.
India wrapped up their Pro League campaign on a positive note, registering morale-boosting victories over reigning world champions Germany and Olympic champions the Netherlands, while also stretching world No. 3 England in a closely fought contest. Although the overall result left India eighth in the standings, Fulton said the team’s performances reflected growing confidence and maturity.
“One of the biggest takeaways from this campaign has been watching the team’s confidence grow. The wins over Germany and the Netherlands showed that when we execute our plans well, we are capable of beating any side in the world,” Fulton said.
The South African coach described the Pro League as an important stepping stone towards two of the biggest assignments on India’s calendar.
“The World Cup and the Asian Games will test our resilience and belief. We’re building the right foundation, but consistency remains the key,” he added.
India endured a difficult start to the season during the home leg in Rourkela, suffering defeats against Belgium and Argentina. The team gradually found its rhythm during the Hobart leg, where defensive improvements became evident despite narrow shootout defeats to Spain and Australia before finally winning a shootout against the hosts.
The biggest gains came during the European leg, where India produced some of their finest performances of the campaign. Victories against Germany and the Netherlands highlighted a sharper attacking approach, with the team creating and converting more chances from open play while maintaining defensive discipline.
Fulton also praised his players for staying composed under pressure and adapting to different styles of play, saying those experiences would prove invaluable in the months ahead.
With the Pro League behind them, India’s attention now shifts to the FIH Hockey World Cup and the Asian Games, where the team will look to convert the lessons from a challenging campaign into podium finishes on the biggest stages.
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