India’s Hockey Coach and Captain React to Commonwealth Games Exclusion
New Delhi, India – The Indian men’s hockey team is preparing for a series against Germany, but there’s a cloud over the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow 2026. Hockey, along with cricket, badminton, and wrestling, has been excluded from the event, affecting India’s medal prospects. The games will be held from July 23 to August 2, 2026, across four venues in Glasgow.
Coach Craig Fulton’s Reaction
Head coach Craig Fulton expressed his thoughts on the exclusion, stating, “I need time to think about that. It is what it is. Unfortunately, at the same time, I am thinking about today. What is going to happen tomorrow and the day after tomorrow that is further down the line.”
Captain Harmanpreet Singh’s Thoughts
Team captain Harmanpreet Singh also shared his views, saying, “I just got to know about it. But I think it was a target for us and this time our target was for a gold medal. This is not in our hands. At present, these two matches are important for us.”
India’s Hockey Legacy
Field hockey’s exclusion marks the first time since its debut in 1998 that it won’t be part of the Commonwealth Games. India has won six medals in hockey at the CWG, making them the second-most successful team after Australia. India also boasts a strong record in badminton, table tennis, and squash at the CWG.
Upcoming Matches Against Germany
The Indian team will face Germany at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi on October 23-24. This marks the return of international hockey to New Delhi after a decade, with several former hockey stars expected to attend.
Doubts Revealed
Commonwealth Games -: The Commonwealth Games is a multi-sport event held every four years, involving athletes from the Commonwealth of Nations, which includes countries like India, Australia, and Canada.
Exclusion -: Exclusion means leaving something out. In this context, it means that hockey will not be included in the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
Craig Fulton -: Craig Fulton is the coach of the Indian men’s hockey team. A coach is someone who trains and guides the players to perform well in sports.
Harmanpreet Singh -: Harmanpreet Singh is the captain of the Indian men’s hockey team. A captain is a leader of the team who helps make decisions and motivates the players.
Glasgow -: Glasgow is a city in Scotland, which is part of the United Kingdom. It is known for hosting various international events, including sports competitions.
Gold Medal Ambitions -: Gold medal ambitions refer to the team’s goal or dream of winning the first-place prize, which is a gold medal, in the Commonwealth Games.
1998 -: 1998 is a year when hockey was first included in the Commonwealth Games. Since then, it has been a regular part of the games until now.
New Delhi -: New Delhi is the capital city of India. It is a major center for politics, culture, and sports events in the country.
