PR Sreejesh fires fresh salvo on head coach Craig Fulton after Asian Champions Trophy selection
(Courtesy : @sreejesh88/Instagram)
Sreejesh warned against exhausting key stars in continental events
Former Indian hockey goalkeeper PR Sreejesh has come out full guns blazing against current head coach Craig Fulton and the selectors following India’s squad announcement for the Men’s Hockey Asian Champions Trophy 2026 in Punjab.
India recently clinched gold at the Asian Games, securing direct qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. Despite that triumph, Hockey India retained its core senior lineup for the continental event starting October 27, rather than resting frontline stars or testing bench strength.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the two-time Olympic medallist and former national junior coach questioned whether the management is prioritising job security over long-term Olympic preparation:
Also Read: Craig Fulton retains core group from Asian Games for Men’s Hockey Asian Champions Trophy 2026
“Wow!!! We’ve won Asian Games gold, yet we’re back with our best players for the Asian Champions Trophy. Is this tournament really worth the risk of exhausting our key players when bigger challenges lie ahead? Even Pakistan isn’t participating!
Why not rest our stars, test our bench strength, and give young players a real opportunity to prove themselves?
Do we have a genuine second line-up, or are we simply afraid to test it? Or is another trophy the perfect way for the chief coach to secure another two years in the hot seat? We are 8th in the world ranking. Are we building a team for the future, or protecting positions in the present?”
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Sreejesh didn’t hold back and put forward a question if the upcoming Asian Champions Trophy will be the last dance for several experienced players.
The former goalkeeper didn’t name anyone in particular but said he’ll appreciate if the squad was picked up while keeping this aspect in mind.
“Or, as the rumour goes, is this tournament a platform for some big names to say goodbye? If that’s the real plan, then I genuinely appreciate it! Legends deserve a proper farewell! But if the goal is long-term success, shouldn’t we be investing in the next generation NOW?”
“Trophies are important. Building a team that keeps winning is even more important.”
The fiery post was a testimony of the friction between Sreejesh and Fulton. Earlier, Sreejesh had openly questioned the long-term dependency on foreign coaches following India’s eighth-place finishes in consecutive FIH Pro League seasons.
The strain became evident after Sreejesh’s contract as junior national coach concluded without an extension.
Fulton, on the other hand, maintained that competing on home soil in Jalandhar and Mohali demands a balanced, competitive side capable of handling high expectations from the crowd.
“Playing the ACT in Punjab will be something special,” said Chief Coach Craig Fulton. “This squad blends youth with experience, and we can’t wait to feed off the home crowd. There’s nothing like playing a tournament in India, and we’ve missed it.”
The squad retains its core that delivered success at the Asian Games, reflecting continuity as India prepares to take on Asia’s leading hockey nations on home soil.
What did PR Sreejesh say on India’s squad selection for Men’s Hockey Asian Champions Trophy 2026?
Sreejesh lashed out at coach Craig Fulton for picking a full-strength team for the Asian Champions Trophy at home. He questions why the coach wasn’t testing the bench strength and giving opportunities to younger players.
What is India’s squad for Men’s Hockey Asian Champions Trophy 2026?
Goalkeepers: Suraj Karkera, Krishan Bahadur Pathak
Defenders: Sanjay, Harmanpreet Singh (C), Amit Rohidas, Jugraj Singh, Jarmanpreet Singh, Amandeep Lakra
Midfielders: Rajinder Singh, Aditya Arjun Lalage, Nilakanta Sharma, Hardik Singh, Manpreet Singh
Forwards: Shilanand Lakra, Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, Dilpreet Singh, Mandeep Singh
Reserve/Replacement Players: Vishnu Kant Singh, Angad Bir Singh
Where and when will Men’s Hockey Asian Champions Trophy 2026 be held?
The tournament will be played in Punjab’s Jalandhar and Mohali from October 27 to November 5.
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