‘Pleased With Defence’: Craig Fulton Ecstatic as India Tackles Weaknesses to Clutch Olympic Bronze

Hockey India delivered a spectacular performance against some of the globally acclaimed teams who took part in the 2024 Paris Olympics. The Harmanpreet Singh-led side's sizzling showcase allowed them to seal the bronze medal to their name and successfully defend it in the French Capital. It also marked the end of PR Sreejesh's international career as the veteran goalkeeper retired at the end of the country's campaign. Coach Craig Fulton spoke out on the team's performance and was relieved to see Team India recognize their weakness and work out on it    

Also Read: Harmanpreet Singh Puts Country Over Family, Kept Fatherly Duties Aside To Win Bronze Medal For India

Hockey India Worked out on Their Weak Link at Paris Olympics, Says Head Coach Craig Fulton

One of Team India's weakest links was their defensive zone, and they have effectively worked out on strengthening their skills under coach Craig Fulton. But Hockey India's valiant performance against Great Britain after they limited them to a 1-1 draw despite being a man short was commendable. Coach Fulton pointed out the team's performance in terms of defense and exclaimed their journey to Paris as a rewarding experience.  

"I was pleased with defence for coming in with a new philosophy and trying to get guys to buy into it. And you know, once they started to see it bear fruit that we could stay in game for longer.

"We lost the one game that was really important, the semifinal where we conceded three goals in that game. So that wasn't up to the level that we know we can play at. But they're (Germany) a good team and they took their chances and we didn't. We had great results against Holland all the way through. We had great results against Australia. It was close. Top teams, even Belgium, and close games with GB as well. And it came good in the end of the day," Craig Fulton said as per PTI.

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Under coach Craig Fulton, Team India Hockey made history after they secured back-to-back medals for the first time in 52 years. The last time it happened was at the Munich Games in 1972. Harmanpreet's brace and PR Sreejesh's spectacular saves allowed the Men in Blue to seal the bronze medal for India despite being 0-1 in the first quarter. The Indian captain was one most dominant players as he netted ten goals in eight matches, making him the lead scorer of the tournament.