Archive · 23 Aug 2026
Indian Men’s Hockey Team Must Find Sindhu’s Ruthless Edge
The article says India’s hockey players have skill, but they sometimes play too gently.
It compares them with PV Sindhu, who learned to become tougher during hard training sessions.
Her coach made practice uncomfortable so she would fight back during difficult matches.
India has lost control against strong teams that play fast and physically.
The team has already worked on becoming less afraid with help from Paddy Upton.
However, the article says being brave is different from being aggressive.
India must challenge opponents for every ball and take chances near the goal.
They face Argentina on Monday with their semifinal hopes in danger.
The team needs an extra competitive edge to win.
The article argues that India’s men’s hockey team needs greater aggression and ruthlessness.
PV Sindhu developed a tougher competitive edge through provocative 5 a.m. training sessions under Pullela Gopichand.
India has repeatedly struggled against physically imposing opponents at major tournaments, including Tokyo, Rourkela, Paris and Amsterdam.
Craig Fulton and Paddy Upton have helped India play with less fear, but the team still needs to impose itself more forcefully.
With semifinal hopes in danger, India must improve its midfield contests, defensive discipline and finishing against Argentina.
- Who
- India’s men’s hockey team, coached by Craig Fulton, with support from Paddy Upton.
- What
- The team is being urged to become more aggressive and ruthless in its World Cup campaign.
- When
- India’s next match against Argentina is on Monday at 6:15 p.m.
- Where
- The ongoing World Cup is being played in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
- Why
- India’s semifinal hopes are hanging by a thread after struggles against physically confrontational opponents.
- Next opponent
- Argentina
- Match time
- Monday, 6:15 p.m.
- Current concern
- A lack of aggression and ruthlessness in difficult matches
- Mental-performance support
- Paddy Upton is working with Craig Fulton and the team
- Key comparison
- PV Sindhu developed greater competitive aggression through demanding training under Pullela Gopichand
- Recent tournament examples
- Tokyo 2021, Rourkela 2023, Paris 2024 and the ongoing Amsterdam World Cup
- Areas requiring improvement
- Midfield contests, defensive turnovers and finishing inside the circle