The Indian men’s hockey team faced a 2-2 draw against South Korea in their opening Super 4s match at the Asia Cup 2025, with head coach Craig Fulton highlighting the recurring issue of composure under pressure. Despite dominating possession and creating numerous opportunities, India failed to capitalize, missing a dozen open-play chances and six penalty corners during the match, which had been delayed by heavy rain.

Fulton addressed the team’s struggles, particularly in front of a passionate home crowd. He emphasized the importance of managing the moment, acknowledging that the heightened atmosphere could impact the players’ decision-making.

“The crowd is paying for blood, so they want goals, goals, and when the noise rises, everyone thinks they need to hit it harder or do more,” Fulton said. He stressed the need for the team to remain calm and composed, focus on recognizing space, and play intelligently.

Despite the frustration of the draw, which left India with one point, Fulton expressed satisfaction with the overall performance, reinforcing his confidence in the squad. “I’ve not lost faith. It’s game on, you know? We’re playing well; we just have to make one or two connections count, and it’s a different story,” he said.

Fulton acknowledged that managing such high-pressure situations is an ongoing challenge for each player and a skill they must continually develop throughout their careers. “This will never change… It’s a lifelong process of managing these moments,” he added.

The coach also praised India’s resilience, particularly in the final quarter when the team fought hard to get back into the game. “I can’t ask for more, it just didn’t happen on the night. And we go again tomorrow (Thursday),” Fulton remarked.

When questioned about the lack of composure, especially with an experienced squad, Fulton dismissed it as not a major concern. He noted that despite the missed opportunities, India had created enough chances through both individual brilliance and collective play. “Might have missed five times in the nine-yard or close to it. And that’s just what happened on the night,” he explained.

Looking ahead, Fulton remained confident that the team would adjust and improve in the upcoming matches. “I don’t think you’re going to play two games and do the same thing twice. So I expected that there would be a difference tomorrow,” he said.

Fulton also discussed the tactical challenges India faces when opponents sit deep in a low block to stifle their attacking game. He outlined the team’s strategic response, “Plan B is to be aware of that, make connections, and have a structure to pass the ball around it and over it. When you get your chance to strike a boss, that’s when we normally put it away.”

Admitting that both of South Korea’s goals came from individual errors, Fulton emphasized that India must tighten up defensively to avoid similar mistakes in the future. “We just have to be better for things to change,” he said, acknowledging that these areas could potentially cost them.

While the draw was a setback, Fulton is clear-eyed about the path forward. “We have one point, and we need to win tomorrow (Thursday), and that’s the game,” he concluded.