Daijiworld Media Network- New Delhi
New Delhi, Apr 19: Indian Men's Hockey Team Chief Coach Craig Fulton has expressed high praise for the depth of talent showcased at the recently concluded 15th Hockey India Senior Men National Championship 2025, held in Jhansi. As the national side gears up for the upcoming Asia Cup, Fulton said he was encouraged by the overall competitiveness and quality of players on display.
Fulton, who was actively involved in scouting throughout the tournament, noted that matches involving top-tier teams were closely fought, offering insights into the growing depth in Indian hockey. “When strength played against strength, the matches were very tight,” he stated. “There's good depth—especially in goalkeeping and across the board—which is promising for the future.”
He particularly highlighted the emergence of fresh faces. “It was also encouraging to spot players who haven’t played in the league before,” Fulton added, suggesting that the national pool could benefit from some previously unnoticed talent.
Punjab, the eventual winners, stood out due to a strong contingent of international players. “They had the highest number of internationals, which definitely gave them an edge,” he remarked. Still, Fulton maintained that the top four teams demonstrated a balanced spread of talent. “Beyond that, the quality dipped slightly, but the potential is there,” he added.
Looking ahead to the Asia Cup 2025, Fulton stressed that team selection will not be solely focused on youth. “It’s not about age—it’s about finding the right players for the right positions,” he clarified. A training camp featuring 54 probables is set to begin shortly, from which a core group of 40 players will be finalised.
“Building bench strength has been a consistent priority,” he said, noting that the next 18 months are vital for squad development. Fulton also elaborated on his evaluation criteria, saying defensive capabilities—both individual and collective—were closely scrutinised.
He pointed out some areas needing improvement, such as converting field goals and executing under varied tactical systems. “We need players who can handle zonal and man-to-man defences, press smartly, and manage outlets under pressure,” he observed.
Fulton added that athleticism and tactical awareness would weigh heavily in final selections. “It’s not just about versatility; it’s about game intelligence and the ability to adapt,” he said.
With veteran goalkeeper PR Sreejesh set to retire after the Paris Olympics, Fulton confirmed that the team’s core will remain largely intact, while efforts will be concentrated on building strategic depth to maintain consistency in the Asia Cup and beyond.