The Indian men’s hockey team has commenced its preparations for the FIH Hockey 2026, set to take place in Belgium and the Netherlands.
With just a month to go before the tournament kicks off, head coach Craig Fulton stated that the team is gradually ramping up its intensity in training.
This edition of the World Cup, scheduled from August 15 to 30, is particularly special as it marks the first time both men’s and women’s teams will compete at the same venue. Currently, both Indian teams are training at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) center in Bengaluru.
Discussing the atmosphere of the national camp, Fulton remarked, “After the Pro League break, the players have returned to training with renewed enthusiasm. You can see it on the field. The sessions have been fantastic. Everyone is eager to come back together. The initial days were about getting our legs moving again and regaining our fitness levels, and now we are gradually increasing our energy for World Cup preparations.”
Fulton highlighted that the coaching staff has emphasized physical conditioning in training. Additionally, there is a strong focus on strategy and decision-making skills.
He explained, “At the start of the week, we are working on building our physical base with intense conditioning. As the week progresses, we will shift to more strategic and unit-based sessions. We are also engaging in numerous small games to enhance decision-making skills. Daily video reviews are conducted to improve on our existing strengths.”
The Indian men’s team is entering the World Cup on a high note, buoyed by its impressive performance in the European leg of the FIH Hockey Pro League. The team secured remarkable victories against reigning world champions Germany, Olympic champions the Netherlands, and arch-rivals Pakistan, alongside a strong showing
placed in Pool D alongside England, Pakistan, and Wales. The team will kick off its campaign against Wales on August 15, followed by matches against England on August 17 and Pakistan on August 19.