India revived the Paris Olympics formula with Paddy Upton ahead of the men’s Hockey World Cup
The Indian men’s hockey team is expected to undergo a specialized training program in Switzerland later this month in preparation for the upcoming Hockey World Cup in Belgium and the Netherlands.
The three-day camp will take place at mental fitness expert Paddy Upton’s training facility, located at adventurer Mike Horn’s base in the Swiss Alps. Designed to increase mental toughness and team cohesion, the program reflects the approach India has adopted in preparation for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
This earlier camp turned out to be a successful exercise and India secured their second consecutive Olympic bronze medal. The team is expected to travel to Switzerland before the start of their World Cup campaign.
“We had a team building camp before going to the Pro League and now we have another one. We will go to Switzerland, we have a program with Paddy Upton scheduled for 2-3 days and we are looking forward to it,” India head coach Craig Fulton told PTI.
“That’s what we did and focused on before Paris and we will create a similar environment but with a different approach and goals because we have a different team.
“The key is always about chemistry and building trust and bonding in the group, making sure everyone knows their role, the belief is strong and the trust is even stronger,” the South African added.
Upton worked closely with the Fulton-led Indian team and was part of the backroom during the 2025 Asia Cup in Rajgir.
ALL IN THE HANDS OF UPTON
Upton joined the support team of the Indian men’s hockey team in 2023 after a disappointing domestic World Cup. Then head coach Graham Reid identified the need for a mental fitness specialist and his successor Craig Fulton maintained that approach when he brought in his South African. The move soon paid off as India secured an Olympic bronze medal in Paris.
He played a big role in India winning the Asia Cup 2025 when they sometimes produce results to get to the trophy. Asked if it was a high-intensity program, Fulton said he left everything in Upton’s hands.
“I don’t really know, it’s Paddy who designs the program and we’ll find out about it when we get there,” Fulton said.
Fulton brings the perfect combination of youth and experience to the World Cup and he’s glad the players don’t take their places for granted.
“It’s the same for all players. Every player has to perform and do their job. Manpreet (Singh) has been a man on the go for a long time but he’s as eager and hungry as ever, still adding value.
“They have to do their job and everyone else will have to do their job. They should be responsible for what their role is, it doesn’t matter if you’re 19 or 35,” he said.
“At the same time, we are trying to keep the team’s competition high and for that you need good strong young people and you also need some World Cup and Asian Games level experience to do the job.”
India’s attention will then shift to the Hockey World Cup, which will be held in Belgium and the Netherlands from August 15 to 30. The tournament will be followed by the Asian Games in Japan from September 19 to October 4, with the continental event also serving as a qualifier for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
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Published on:
26 Jul 2026 22:20 IST