NewKerala.com

India's Hockey World Cup Draw: Coach Fulton Eyes Glory in Tough Pool D

Indian men's hockey team chief coach Craig Fulton has reacted with confidence to the challenging Pool D draw for the FIH Men's Hockey World Cup 2026. India will face top-seeded England, traditional rivals Pakistan, and a determined Wales side in Amstelveen. Fulton emphasized respecting each opponent's unique style while backing his team's ability to compete. The team begins its campaign on a symbolic note, playing Wales on India's Independence Day, August 15, 2026.

Key Points: India's Hockey World Cup 2026 Draw: Pool D Schedule & Coach's View

  • India drawn in Pool D with England, Pakistan, Wales
  • Coach Fulton highlights team's positive mood & clarity
  • Campaign opens vs Wales on Independence Day
  • Preparation to focus on structure, press, and finishing
3 min read

"We respect every opponent in this pool, but we back ourselves against all of them": Indian men's hockey team chief coach Craig Fulton

Indian hockey coach Craig Fulton reacts to the Men's World Cup 2026 draw, analyzing challenges from England, Pakistan, and Wales. Full schedule inside.

"We respect every opponent in this pool, but we back ourselves against all of them. - Craig Fulton"

New Delhi, March 19

Following the official pool draw and schedule release for the FIH Men's Hockey World Cup 2026, Indian Men's National Hockey Team Chief Coach Craig Fulton expressed confidence and clarity regarding the team's path ahead.

India has been drawn into Pool D alongside top-seeded England, traditional rivals Pakistan, and a determined Wales side, with all group-stage matches set to be played at the Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen, Netherlands, according to a release.

Reacting to the draw, Fulton highlighted the squad's readiness to embrace the challenge, "We're excited. It's a strong group, but that's exactly what you want at a World Cup -- to be tested against the best," Fulton said. "The mood in the camp is very positive. The players are motivated and hungry, and knowing our opponents now gives us real clarity and focus going into our preparation."

Analysing the varied tactical challenges Pool D presents, the Chief Coach emphasised the need for adaptability and respect for each team's unique style of play.

"England are a well-organised, physical side who are also top seed in our pool. Pakistan bring flair, unpredictability, and a rich hockey tradition -- never a side to take lightly. Wales are making their mark on the international stage and will be full of energy and determination," Fulton explained. "We respect every opponent in this pool, but we back ourselves against all of them."

With the team set to open their campaign against Wales on August 15--a special fixture falling on India's Independence Day--the coaching staff is already laying down a detailed roadmap.

"We'll be working hard on our structure, our press, and our finishing -- the fine margins that decide games at this level," Fulton noted. "Every opponent in this pool has different strengths, so our preparation will be tailored and detailed. The next few months are about peaking at exactly the right moment."

Embracing the massive expectations of a hockey-loving nation, Fulton had a clear, rallying message for the supporters back home as they gear up for the pinnacle tournament."We want to go out there and make India proud. The players know what this shirt means and what the fans expect. My message to the supporters is simple -- get behind us, one game at a time. Chak de India!"

India's Pool D Match Schedule (Venue: Wagener Hockey Stadium, Amstelveen):

August 15, 2026: India vs Wales (16:30 IST)August 17, 2026: India vs England (18:30 IST)August 19, 2026: Pakistan vs India (18:30 IST).

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Respectful but confident. That's the right tone. The analysis of each opponent shows the coaching staff is doing their homework. The Pakistan match is always a classic, but we must not underestimate Wales. Focus on one game at a time.
P
Priyanka N
Chak de India! The schedule is intense, but our team has the fitness and skill. Playing the Pakistan match last is good strategy; by then the team will be in full rhythm. Just hope we can fix our penalty corner conversion rate before then. That's often the difference.
R
Rahul R
A tough pool, but that's the World Cup for you. No easy games. I appreciate Fulton's point about "fine margins." Our defense needs to be rock solid against England's physical play. The entire nation is behind you, boys! Bring the cup home.
A
Aman W
The Independence Day fixture is a masterstroke by the schedule makers. What a way to start! While I'm fully supportive, I do hope the team management has a solid plan B. Sometimes we seem too rigid in our tactics when the initial plan isn't working. Adaptability is key, as the coach said.
K
Kavya N
So excited! Already marking the dates on my calendar. The match against Pakistan on the 19th will be electric. Fulton seems to have a good grip on the team's psychology. Backing ourselves with respect for others is the perfect Indian sporting ethos. All the best!

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50