Fulton on organizing ACT five weeks before Asian Games: We need these events

Malaysia hockey team coach Arul Anthony may be surprised that the Asian Champions Trophy (ACT) is being held so close to the Asian Games, but India head coach Craig Fulton on Tuesday said it is just a matter of finalizing preparations ahead of the prestigious continental Games. Competition is important. The Asian Champions Trophy will conclude on August 12 with a little over five weeks to go for the start of the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, raising questions about the timing of the event in Chennai. “It’s something you have to do,” Fulton told reporters. We need contests. So it is important that we play it. It is even better that it is happening in India. “He said,” We will look at the positive and negative things. But at the same time, we will also get a chance to have a look at some additional players which is important for us.

Injuries are never good for any team or player. So, yes, I understand the competition and its timing.” Malaysia head coach Anthony was not very happy with the timing of the Asian Champions Trophy. He said this has “hampered” his preparations ahead of the Asian Games, the winner of which qualifies for the Olympic Games. Anthony said, “I am a little curious about it because as coaches we need 18 to 24 months to plan the team. Organizing a tournament five weeks before a big tournament, I am curious to know the reason behind it. “Hope Asian Hockey will work with FIH (International Hockey Federation) and organize better events,” he said. Will do because our program was disrupted. We were to tour Europe. We had matches against Belgium, Holland (Netherlands), France and Spain. Everything was planned.

Malaysia’s coach said, “But the date and time have changed and it is difficult to organize matches again.” And for them to have this tournament at this crucial moment… Yes, I think in future Asian hockey will have to look seriously at the calendar which is planning the calendar at least a year or two ahead. ‘ There has been a lot of debate in the past about the Indian team converting penalty corners into goals. Fulton said, “We have world class penalty corner (specialists). All the players involved in this are good. Opponents know they are at risk there and try to minimize it. That’s what we’re trying to do. I think we can always improve. We just have to see how much detail we want to go into and how much time we spend on improving it.

Apart from Pakistan, China, Japan, South Korea and Malaysia will also participate in the tournament. Indian captain Harmanpreet Singh said, “It will be a tough match against Pakistan, but the most important thing is that you play mentally and smartly.” Motivates us but ultimately our focus should be on the game and recognize our roles and responsibilities. “The Indian captain said,” I believe all the teams are good and competitive. We have seen their matches and also played against them. We will take it on a match-by-match basis, learn from it and plan accordingly.

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