The Indian hockey team secured its fifth Asian Champions Trophy (ACT) title with a thrilling 1-0 victory over China, but head coach Craig Fulton admitted that the road to victory was far from easy. While the win brought glory to the nation, Fulton revealed that the tournament presented several challenges for the young Indian squad.
Not an Easy Tournament, Says Fulton
Although India remained undefeated throughout the tournament, Fulton acknowledged the difficulties faced by his players. He stated, “It was difficult for us. But it was good to win in the end. We have to work hard.” The coach highlighted that despite playing seven solid matches, the final was particularly tough, as the team struggled to convert chances into goals.
“We couldn’t score many goals today but the result was in our favor,” he added, reflecting on the narrow win against a determined Chinese side.
Challenges of Preparation and Fatigue
Fulton also pointed out that the past two months had been full of ups and downs for the team. After their bronze medal win in the Paris Olympics, there was limited time for recovery and preparation. Fulton explained, “We came here with a young team and some new players. The players were tired but still won, which is a sign of a good team.” This victory marked the first tournament for the Indian side post-Olympics, with players quickly returning to the field after only eight days with their families.
Jugraj Raj Singh’s Heroics Secure the Trophy
The final match against China was anything but straightforward. Despite dominating possession and creating multiple scoring opportunities, China’s defenders held their ground. For three quarters, India failed to break through China’s defense, leaving the match at a stalemate.
However, in the 51st minute, Jugraj Raj Singh stepped up and netted the only goal of the match, giving India a crucial lead. The Indian defense then held strong, ensuring that China had no further chances to equalize. As the final hooter sounded, India celebrated its record fifth ACT title, while China finished second, securing the silver medal.
