With Sukhjeet Singh and Abhishek now leading the forward line, Indian hockey coach Craig Fulton is preparing for a transition towards a younger squad as he looks ahead to the 2026 World Cup. Just moments after India’s Asian Champions Trophy win, Fulton’s thoughts were already focused on the next big challenge – forming a team that will remain competitive through the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
India’s immediate future could see a squad of players largely under 25, with a tour to the Netherlands and Belgium planned as early as late October or November. These countries will host the World Cup in 2026, and Fulton aims to prepare his squad well in advance. His approach is a shift from the traditional short-term thinking of Indian hockey, where coaches often planned from one tournament to the next. Fulton’s contract extension until the LA Olympics reflects his long-term strategy.
The success at the Asian Champions Trophy, where India won all seven matches, further cemented Fulton’s belief in his young players. India’s forward line, previously led by seasoned Olympians like Mandeep Singh, Lalit Upadhyay, and Gurjant Singh, is set for a shift. Young forwards like Araijeet Singh Hundal, Uttam Singh, and Gurjot Singh impressed during the tournament, and Fulton may give them more playing time in future competitions.
While the forward line is undergoing a generational shift, the midfield remains strong with veteran Manpreet Singh leading alongside rising stars like Vivek Sagar Prasad, Hardik Singh, and Raj Kumar Pal. However, over-reliance on Harmanpreet Singh for penalty corners and long-ball plays continues to be a concern. The defense, still prone to errors, has found hope in the emergence of Amir Ali.
Fulton’s management of this transition phase will be crucial as India moves away from the core team that played in Paris and Tokyo. The Asian Champions Trophy victory marked the ‘first step’ in this new journey, and with an infusion of young talent, a “new-look team” may emerge as India’s hopes for future success grow stronger.
