Craig Fulton Highlights Importance Of Khelo India Setup Ahead Of FIH WC

India head coach Craig Fulton believes the country’s push for greater sporting success must be built on strong pathways, quality coaching and sustained investment. With the FIH Hockey World Cup set to begin on August 15, Fulton’s focus extends beyond the immediate challenge of the tournament, as India look to build on consecutive Olympic podium finishes and create a stronger foundation for the future.

The South African coach has emphasised the importance of giving athletes the right support at every stage of their development. While India gear up for another World Cup campaign, Fulton believes the systems supporting athletes off the field are just as important as performances on it.

Fulton believes the expanded Khelo India programme can play a major role in identifying and nurturing talent before athletes reach the senior national setup. He welcomed initiatives such as Khelo India Feeder Schools, Khelo India Utkrishta Vidyalayas and the Emerging Khelo India Athletes programme, saying they can help ensure talented youngsters do not fall through the gaps.

The Indian coach was also encouraged by the government’s emphasis on strengthening the coaching ecosystem through the National Coach Accreditation Board.

“As a coach, I was particularly encouraged by the establishment of the National Coach Accreditation Board. Coaches influence athletes long before they represent their country. Investing in coaches is just as important as investing in athletes because better coaching strengthens the entire system,” Fulton said.

For the Indian hockey team, the value of a structured pathway is already visible. Fulton pointed to competitions such as the Hockey India National Championships as an important bridge between domestic hockey and the national programme. India’s successive Olympic podium finishes, he argued, are the result of sustained work rather than a short-term push.

As India prepare for the World Cup, Fulton is also keen to ensure the players are not overwhelmed by expectations surrounding the tournament. India last won the men’s Hockey World Cup in 1975, but the coach wants the current generation to focus on creating its own legacy.

“Fifty-one years after India last lifted the men’s Hockey World Cup, I want my players to write their own chapter in the tournament’s history rather than dwell on the past,” Fulton said.

The World Cup will also be followed quickly by the Asian Games, which carry added significance as a direct qualification route for the Olympic Games. Fulton, however, wants his team to approach both challenges one game at a time.

The coach also stressed that Indian and foreign coaches should not be viewed as competing groups.

“Indian coaches bring a deep understanding of the domestic ecosystem, while international coaches can offer different experiences and perspectives. The strongest sporting systems are built when knowledge is shared, and everyone works towards the same goal,” he said.

Modern preparation, Fulton added, goes beyond tactical sessions and fitness work. Sports science, recovery, rehabilitation and injury management are now integral to keeping players healthy and helping them perform consistently.

With the FIH Hockey World Cup beginning on August 15, India will hope that the systems built over recent years translate into a deep run on the biggest stage. For Fulton, the ultimate objective is bigger than one tournament: creating an environment where talented Indian athletes have the guidance, opportunities and pathway required to fulfil their potential.