In the realm of Indian hockey, where flair and attacking prowess have traditionally taken center stage, a new mantra is quietly making its presence felt – “Ned,” an acronym for “Never Ending Dream.” This motivational force finds its origin in the coaching philosophy of Craig Fulton, a South African coach who has left an indelible mark on teams like Ireland and Belgium. Now, as the head coach of the Indian hockey team, Fulton’s dream is to instill control amidst the chaos that often defines Indian hockey.
The journey of “Ned” began over a decade ago when Craig Fulton established his own company. Subsequently, it evolved into a rallying cry for the underdog Irish team during their quest to qualify for the Olympics, marking a historic achievement for the first time since 1948. In 2018, the dream materialized for Belgium as they clinched their first World Cup, firmly establishing “Ned” as a symbol of success.
For Fulton, the current challenge lies in bringing this dream to fruition with the Indian hockey team. The core of his coaching philosophy revolves around the concept of “control” – a term not commonly associated with Indian hockey, known for its instinctive and aggressive style of play. Fulton’s vision is to make India defensively strong without compromising on their attacking flair, a delicate balance that challenges the traditional mindset of Indian players.
In a recent encounter with Ireland at the Kalinga Stadium in the FIH Pro League, the clash served as a testament to Fulton’s influence. Ireland, embodying the defensive resilience instilled by their former coach, proved to be a tough nut to crack. Despite India’s constant attempts to break down their opponent’s defense, it was only in the dying moments that Gurjant Singh scored the decisive goal, securing a hard-fought victory.
The juxtaposition of Fulton’s past with Ireland and his present with India showcased a team demonstrating defensive prowess, playing man-to-man, and exhibiting patience – qualities not commonly associated with Indian hockey. Fulton likened Ireland’s style to “Mourinho’s Chelsea,” emphasizing their resolute defense.
However, challenges arise when India faces higher-ranked opponents, as seen in their recent encounter with Australia. Despite taking a two-goal lead, India conceded six goals, prompting Fulton to stress the importance of defensive control. Analyzing the Sydney Olympics onward, Fulton highlighted the rarity of winning gold after conceding more than two goals in a game throughout the campaign, emphasizing the need for defensive stability.
In the last eight months, India has adopted a mid-block strategy, deviating from the high-press style more aligned with the country’s hockey ethos. Fulton believes this tactical tweak will not only showcase India’s counter-attacking prowess but also strengthen the defense during transitions, reducing the risk of being caught out in counterattacks.
As Fulton continues to sculpt the Indian hockey team in alignment with his “Never Ending Dream” philosophy, the challenge remains to strike the perfect balance between defensive solidity and attacking flair. The transformation underway reflects a shift in the traditional narrative of Indian hockey, introducing a controlled and strategic approach aimed at achieving sustained success on the global stage. The journey of “Ned” continues, with each match providing a canvas for Fulton to paint his vision of Indian hockey’s future.
