"I think the Hockey India League will be crucial": Coach Craig Fulton optimistic about upcoming Hockey India League and Pro League

New Delhi [India], October 22 : Ahead of the bilateral series against Germany, India's men's hockey team coach Craig Fulton expressed optimism about the impact of the upcoming Hockey India League and the Pro League on the senior men's team. Fulton highlighted the opportunities these leagues present for emerging talent and the overall development of the team.
"I think the Hockey India League will be crucial," Fulton stated.
"We have only two younger debut players joining us for this series. However, I believe the Hockey India League and the subsequent Pro League will significantly spotlight more players in the senior men's team," he told the media persons.
Fulton also praised vice-captain Vivek Sagar Singh, noting his leadership qualities and performance.
"Vivek is a quiet leader; he leads more by performance than by words, and we need more senior players to step up and deliver. I was happy with his performance," he commented.
As the team prepares for the challenging series against Germany, Fulton's focus remains on harnessing the potential of young talent while relying on the experience of senior players to steer the team towards success in the upcoming leagues and beyond.
Earlier, the Indian Hockey Team on Sunday arrived at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport ahead of their upcoming bilateral series against Germany.
They will be in action against Germany at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi. The Paris 2024 bronze medalists India will face off against the Olympic Silver medallists on October 23-24.
After reaching Delhi, Hockey India skipper Harmanpreet Singh hoped that the matches against Germany in the upcoming bilateral series would be good.
"It is a good team. We have dominated the last four to five matches we have played... We hope for a good match between the two teams," Harmanpreet Singh told ANI.
International hockey is returning to New Delhi after a decade with this event and several dignitaries, including former hockey stars are expected to attend the event, including Harbinder and Zafar. The last time India played at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium was the Hockey World League Final - Men's Round 4, back in January 2014.
Earlier in September, India successfully lifted the men's Asian Champions Trophy for the fifth time with a nervy 1-0 win over the hosts, China.
The 'Fultonball' continued to spread its charm as India lifted the Asian Champions Trophy unbeaten. India previously won titles in 2011, 2016, 2018, and 2023.
When the Indian forwards struggled in front of China's defensive wall, the defensive players inspired the defending champions to a 1-0 win.
In the final quarter, India eventually took the lead that they had desired. India's two primary drag flickers combined to power India to a one-goal lead. Harmanpreet passed it on to Jugraj Singh, who didn't miss the opportunity from the field to bring down China's defensive wall.
With five minutes left, China's goalkeeper Wang Weihao was sent off the field, leaving them with just 10 players. India held on to their lead and successfully defended their title.