Hockey Asia Cup 2025: India coach Fulton says team must ‘be better for things to change’ after draw against Korea

By Admin

04 Sep, 2025

The Indian men’s hockey team’s campaign in the Super 4s of the Asia Cup 2025 began with a frustrating 2-2 draw against South Korea, leaving head coach Craig Fulton urging his side to show greater composure and efficiency under pressure.

Missed Chances in a Rain-Delayed Clash

The much-anticipated encounter was delayed due to heavy rain, but once play began, the Indian team dominated possession and created several scoring opportunities. Despite a dozen open-play chances and six penalty corners, the Men in Blue struggled to convert, which eventually cost them a full three points.

Fulton admitted that the inability to finish was a critical factor in the outcome, saying, “Might have missed five times in the nine-yard or close to it. And that’s... just what happened on the night.”

Managing the Pressure of a Boisterous Crowd

With a lively home crowd roaring for goals, Fulton highlighted the need for calmness in high-stakes situations.
“The crowd is paying for blood, so they want goals, goals, and then, when the noises go up, everyone thinks we have to hit it harder or do more,” he explained.

He stressed the importance of composure, urging his players to slow the game down and focus on exploiting space. “Stay a little bit more calmer in the moment and see more. And then where’s the space? And then play to the space.”

Confidence in the Team Despite Setback

While the draw was a disappointment, Fulton expressed confidence in his squad’s resilience and ability to bounce back. “I’ve not lost faith. It’s game on, you know? Like, we’re playing well, we just got to make one of two connections count, and it’s a different story,” he said.

The coach also praised the team’s fighting spirit, particularly their efforts in the final quarter when they created multiple chances to reclaim the lead. “I can’t ask for more, just didn’t happen on the night. And we go again tomorrow.”

Strategic Adjustments and Plan B

Fulton acknowledged that many teams, including South Korea, deploy a deep defensive block to counter India’s attacking flair. To counter this, India has a “Plan B” strategy.
“Plan B is to be aware of that and then make connections and then have a structure to pass the ball around it and over it, and then when you get your chance to strike a boss, and then that’s normally what helps us put it away,” Fulton explained.

However, both of Korea’s goals came from individual errors, something Fulton stressed must be avoided. “We just have to be better for things to change. We need to change, so those are areas that can hurt you.”

Eyes on the Next Challenge

India now faces a quick turnaround, with their next Super 4s clash against an in-form Malaysia side scheduled in less than 20 hours. With just one point on the board, the stakes are clear.
“We have one point and we need to win tomorrow, and that’s the game,” Fulton concluded.

The Road Ahead

As the Asia Cup 2025 heats up, India’s path to the final remains alive but demanding. The draw against Korea was a stark reminder that composure, efficiency, and adaptability are vital at this stage. For Fulton and his team, the message is clear: they must be better for things to change.