Paddy Upton Urges India to Embrace Winning Mindset Ahead of FIH Hockey World Cup 2026

New Delhi, August 13: India men’s hockey team mental conditioning coach Paddy Upton believes the side must develop the mindset of champions before the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup rather than waiting for a title victory to validate their credentials.

Upton, who was part of India’s 2011 ODI World Cup-winning setup and the men’s hockey team’s bronze-medal campaign at the Paris Olympics, stressed that championship preparation must extend beyond tactics and training.

“One of the keys is that champions arrive at a tournament as champions. They don’t wait to win the final to confirm that they are champions,” Upton said, quoted by PTI.

He said India must match the world’s leading teams in fitness, nutrition, sleep, recovery and attention to detail if they are to challenge for the title.

Upton also highlighted the difference between mental preparation in cricket and hockey. While cricket often places greater emphasis on individual performances, hockey demands constant coordination and awareness of how each player’s mindset affects the wider team.

“The biggest difference would be that in cricket, a lot more of the work is focused on individual performance, while in hockey there is so much of a team performance,” he said.

Rather than focusing directly on winning the final, Upton wants the players to concentrate on overcoming the challenges that could prevent them from reaching the title clash.

His approach was evident during India’s preparations for the Paris Olympics. Upton recalled the quarterfinal against Great Britain, where India prevailed despite playing with 10 men for much of the contest. He credited the team’s demanding training camp in the Swiss Alps for helping players develop resilience and cope with adversity.

The mental conditioning coach said the central message remains simple: players must support and protect one another.

“Work as a team and protect your teammates. Take that to a new level,” he said.

Upton also wants India to rely on their processes during high-pressure knockout matches by playing naturally, following the game plan and trusting their teammates.

Technology has become another part of his work. Upton has developed a digital twin based on his own thinking and coaching style, allowing all 20 players to access guidance in English or Hindi at any time.

While Upton believes India are well prepared, he acknowledged the narrow margins involved in hockey and the role of luck in decisive moments.

For now, his message is clear: India must ignore external distractions and focus on what they can control as they pursue World Cup success.