Studio.Hockey is a podcast about international and domestic field hockey. Co-hosts are Jaspreet Singh for the Asian point of view and Ernst Baart for the European perspective.
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Harendra Singh about the road from grassroots to glory for hockey in India
Saturday, February 21, 2026 • Duration 59:48
In this episode of Studio Hockey we take a deep dive into hockey in India. The spotlight is on Harendra Singh, one of Indian hockey’s most revered coaches and mentors. Over a distinguished coaching career that has spanned nearly three decades, Harendra has led teams at virtually every level of Indian hockey. From junior boys to senior women, guiding Olympic medallists and developing talents who have become household names. As a winner of India’s prestigious Dronacharya Award for outstanding coaches, his inside-out knowledge of Indian field hockey, both as a strategist and talent nurturer, is unmatched. As India’s national men’s team faces a period of reckoning and potential transition, if we were to believe social media, it is only fitting to have his seasoned perspective on where the team stands today and what the future may hold.
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James Mazarelo: There’s more to life than hockey, but I just love it
Episode 79
Tuesday, October 28, 2025 • Duration 44:32
Studio Hockey – Episode 79 Preview: James Mazarelo
Curious about what it’s like to juggle four elite hockey teams? Want insight into the world of international field hockey from both European and Asian perspectives? In our latest episode, we welcome James Mazarelo, the dynamic goalkeeper representing Great Britain, England, Old Georgians, and a nameless team in the Hockey India League!
In this preview, you’ll hear:
James’ behind-the-scenes stories of team transitions, including the dramatic exit of the UP Rudras from the Hockey India League.
His reflections on proud Goan heritage and what it means to play hockey on Indian soil.
How learning the language and culture shaped his on-field relationships in India.
The thrill of stunning Bloemendaal in the Euro Hockey League and what it feels like for a goalie in high-pressure shootouts.
Honest conversation about career paths, the unique perspective goalkeepers bring to the game, and what’s next for James—both in hockey and his life outside the sport.
But this is just a taste! Subscribe to Studio Hockey now for the full episode, packed with stories, insights, and hockey wisdom—from James’ journey into goalkeeping to his views on India’s hockey grassroots and future ambitions.
Don’t miss out on the complete conversation. Hit subscribe so you’ll never miss an episode!
Studio Hockey—Where the world of hockey comes together.
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Mark Hager: Getting to Know Players as People Is Crucial
Tuesday, October 7, 2025 • Duration 31:53
Mark Hager was the guest of our podcast today. Mark is the current head coach of the Australian men’s team, affectionately known as the Kookaburras, and a legendary former striker and captain for Australia, who led his team to a bronze medal at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. Over the course of a decades-spanning career, Mark has not only competed at the sport’s highest levels but has also shaped teams worldwide with his coaching prowess. Prior to his current role, Mark steered the New Zealand and Great Britain women’s teams to remarkable heights—including an Olympic bronze with GB at Tokyo 2020.
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Ernst opens the conversation by asking Mark where he is as the interview takes place. Mark offers a personal glimpse into his life away from the pitch, explaining that he’s joining from Dunsborough, a peaceful beach town a couple of hours outside Perth. As he puts it, Dunsborough is his “home away from home,” a place to both reflect and disconnect from the relentless world of high-performance hockey. This setting sets a tone for the episode, highlighting the humanity and balance Mark tries to bring to his career and personal life.
Transitioning from Women’s to Men’s Hockey
Jaspreet starts the hockey discussion by delving into Mark’s recent transition, from decades coaching women’s international teams to heading the men’s Kookaburras. Mark is candid about the unique challenges involved. He notes that while many structural aspects remain similar between men’s and women’s hockey, the men’s game features more one-on-one duels and relies heavily on aerial balls to break down defenses. “In the men’s game I find it’s a little bit more man to man...the aerial ball is very productive,” Mark observes, hinting at the constant tactical adaptations a top-level coach must make. Yet, Mark embraces these differences, saying, “It’s been the biggest challenge for me this year…now I feel I’m in a good position to understand the men’s game a lot more.”
Coaching the Next Generation: Then vs. Now
Ernst probes how Mark’s approach to coaching young athletes has evolved through the generations. Mark reflects on the drastic changes:
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Elliot Van Strydonck: Just Be Kind to Yourself and Enjoy
Episode 77
Tuesday, September 30, 2025 • Duration 15:19
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This week on Studio Hockey, hosts Jaspreet Singh and Ernst Baart welcome Belgian hockey legend Elliot Van Strydonck to the show! In this engaging and insightful episode, we go beyond the pitch to explore the multifaceted journey of an Olympic silver medalist and key figure in the rise of Belgian hockey.
A taste of the evolution of Belgian field hockey and Elliot’s pivotal role in it
Reflections on making bold moves late in a sports career—why did Elliot switch clubs at 37?
A peek at Elliot’s journey from youth hockey to the Olympic podium
Honest moments on what happens after reaching the top, and how athletes cope with the “hollow silence” post-triumph
Elliot shares the origins and philosophy behind his podcast “Breakable,” which focuses on mental health, vulnerability, and life after elite sport
If you want to hear the full episode—where Elliot dives deep into lessons learned from leading teams, rebuilding identity beyond hockey, his vision for the next generation, and candid conversations about happiness and self-discovery—subscribe now to Studio Hockey.
Why subscribe?
Get full-length episodes featuring exclusive interviews with global hockey stars and coaches
Stay updated on European and Asian hockey—our show covers it all!
Never miss out on deep dives into not just skills and matches, but also the stories that shape the people in our sport
Don’t miss out on the rest of Elliot’s journey! Hit subscribe and join our hockey community as we bring you the voices, challenges, and triumphs of the field—on and off the pitch.
Hardik Singh: "Your Time Will Come"
Thursday, September 18, 2025 • Duration 10:00
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Thinking about subscribing to Studio Hockey? Here’s a sneak peek into our latest episode with one of hockey’s brightest stars, Hardik Singh. Join co-hosts Ernst Baart and Jaspreet Singh as they bring both European and Asian lenses to the game and unlock inspiring insights from the heart of Indian hockey.
In this episode preview:
Hardik shares the story behind his rise from ball boy to double Olympic medalist.
Discover what kept him going after missing out on the junior World Cup squad.
Insight into growing up in a "mad" hockey family – and what it really means for a budding player.
The turning point: How wise words from his uncle kept Hardik’s hockey dream alive.
Honest reflections on setbacks, success, and the relentless pursuit of Olympic gold.
But that’s just the beginning. The full episode dives even deeper:
Inside stories from the unforgettable Olympic and World Cup campaigns.
Dugout drama, mental conditioning secrets with Paddy Upton, and tales of building resilience.
The evolution of hockey worldwide: What India and Asia need to reach the next level.
Hardik’s take on domestic leagues, coaching, and the future of the sport in his homeland.
Powerful moments of leadership, on-field lessons, and touching examples of social responsibility off the pitch.
Don’t miss out on this inspiring conversation with one of international hockey’s most dynamic midfielders. Subscribe now to Studio Hockey to unlock the full episode and hear Hardik’s journey—raw, real, and deeply motivating—in his own words.
The Emergence of China among Asian Hockey Rivalries
Episode 75
Tuesday, September 9, 2025 • Duration 15:09
The 2025 Men’s Hockey Asia Cup in Rajgir, India, is now in the books, and what a momentous tournament it was. Not just for India, who marched undefeated to the title and claimed their ticket to the 2026 World Cup, but also for Asian hockey as a whole.
In our Final Impressions episode, Jaspreet Singh took our listeners on a vivid journey—through the venue, the city’s historic atmosphere, sweltering conditions, team performances, and a revealing interview with Indian coach Craig Fulton.
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A Historic City Hosts a Modern Tournament
First impressions matter, and for me, the journey to Rajgir from the airport was eye-opening, setting the tone for a tournament nestled in a city where ancient history meets contemporary ambition. Upon entering the city’s outskirts, visitors are greeted by “mountains, a beautiful skyline, and all that.” Rajgir, etched in Buddhist history, sits just 70 kilometers from Bodhgaya, the site of Lord Buddha’s enlightenment. The venue itself—the sprawling Rajgir Sports Complex—spans 90 acres and houses top-tier facilities for 22 sports, including world-class hockey, cricket, football, and athletics pitches.
Yet we have to ask the essential question: can Rajgir not only host great tournaments but also produce world-class athletes? It’s a multi-million rupee investment that hinges on more than architecture; it needs talent development and consistent nurturing of athletes. For now, the Asia Cup was a huge test—and by most measures, a triumph in staging.
History, Heat, Humidity: the Three H’s of Rajgir
Every tournament has its unique challenges, but for Jaspreet and all who attended, the Rajgir summer was unforgiving. “Heat and humidity were killing,” Jaspreet admits, not just for players, but for officials, spectators, and the media pack. He cleverly frames Rajgir’s experience as the “three H’s”: history, heat, and humidity.
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Michael Nobbs: The good, the bad and the ugly of coaching in Australia, Japan and India
Episode 74
Tuesday, September 2, 2025 • Duration 53:59
Get ready for an exciting new episode of Studio Hockey! Co-hosts Ernst Baart and Jaspreet Singh sit down with Australian Olympic player and legendary coach, Michael Nobbs, for an unfiltered conversation about international hockey, his extraordinary “hockey family,” and the powerful lessons learned on and off the pitch.
In this preview, you’ll hear:
Michael Nobbs reflect on his playing and coaching career, from representing Australia at the 1984 Olympics to leading India’s men’s team back onto the world stage.
Stories about navigating the challenges and unique culture of Indian hockey, including insights on working during the transition from the Indian Hockey Federation to Hockey India.
The essential role the Nobbs family has played in international hockey, with connections to Australian gold medalists and Olympians.
Michael’s unbeatable spirit—both in hockey and in life—as he discusses his ongoing battle with cancer, never letting it stop him from loving the game.
But there’s more to the episode you don’t want to miss!
Michael’s inside perspective on the differences between coaching in India, Australia, and Japan.
His candid thoughts on why foreign coaches struggle with Indian hockey, and the cultural insights that make or break success.
Debates on club hockey, the future of Hockey Australia, and the next generation of world-class talents.
Personal stories you won’t hear anywhere else: Locker room secrets, coaching dramas, and the evolution of the game from grassroots to Olympic podiums.
Want the full, unfiltered conversation? Subscribe to Studio Hockey now wherever you get your podcasts to get instant access to this entire episode plus all our previous deep dives with leaders, legends, and characters of the game.
Don’t miss out on the rest of Michael Nobbs’ incredible journey, exclusive anecdotes, and the revealing truth about international field hockey. Hit subscribe and join us for the complete episode!
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Umpiring is broken
Episode 73
Tuesday, August 26, 2025 • Duration 01:03:06
Ernst Baart and Jaspreet Singh sit down with the insightful and outspoken Keely Dunn—a former international umpire, founder of FHUmpires.com, and renowned “umpire whisperer” from Canada.
In This Podcast:
Keely shares her unique journey into field hockey and umpiring—how a tough moment in her teens propelled her into the sport and later to international tournaments around the globe.
Have you ever wondered why Keely boldly claims "umpiring is broken"? Find out what drives her mission to shake up hockey’s third team and why she believes drastic change is needed for umpiring to keep up with the modern game.
Keely reveals what sets her platform apart from traditional hockey associations and why even countries with strong umpiring systems rely on her expertise.
The candid discussion about the realities and future of umpiring: professionalism vs. volunteerism.
Keely’s takes on rule changes, including the offside debate, penalty corners, and why she believes aerial rules are about to transform the sport.
Insightful perspectives on growing field hockey in Canada, the U.S., and across Asia—including how expat communities and cultural exchange could be the key to building the sport worldwide.
Direct and sometimes controversial opinions on gender equality, youth development, and what really needs to happen to bring umpires and fans together.
Behind-the-scenes stories, colorful banter, and practical advice for players, fans, coaches, and aspiring umpires.
Whether you’re an umpire, coach, player, or simply a passionate fan, you’ll find Keely’s unconventional approach both entertaining and enlightening.
👉 Don’t miss out! Subscribe now to Studio Hockey to get access to the full episode, more expert conversations, and all things field hockey—delivered right to your favorite podcast platform.
Happy Hockey–and see you for the full discussion!
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The First Step to Growing Field Hockey is to Talk About the Game
Episode 72
Tuesday, August 19, 2025 • Duration 01:01:50
Looking for fresh takes on the global game of hockey? This episode of Studio Hockey brings you an engaging conversation with Allison Keefe, the force behind “The Field Hockey Analyst.” Hosts Ernst Baart and Jaspreet Singh dive deep with Allison into the cultural nuances, challenges, and unique pathways of US field hockey, offering a perspective rarely heard in European or Asian circles.
In This Podcast:
Meet Allison Keefe: From East Coast beginnings to statistical storytelling and digital advocacy for US hockey.
Discover why talking about the game is the critical first step to growing it, especially in underrepresented regions.
How social media and digital analysis are shifting the field hockey landscape in America.
A taste of the hot takes and honest comparisons between hockey cultures across the US, Europe, and Asia.
The pay-to-play culture in the US versus professional models around the world.
How data analysis and AI are shaping the future of hockey performance and injury prediction.
Real insights into the US developmental system, college hockey scene, and the persistent struggle to keep players involved past graduation.
How the US women’s and men’s teams are breaking barriers at international competitions—straight from someone with an insider’s view.
Open discussions on club loyalty, college recruitment headaches, and the evolving media landscape of field hockey.
—Studio Hockey: Field Hockey talk, from every angle, for everyone who loves the game.Subscribe and listen to the full episode!
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Prithipal Singh: the Legacy, the Murder and Mystery
Friday, August 15, 2025 • Duration 01:02:44
Ready for a gripping look into Indian hockey’s rich, tragic history? In this one-of-a-kind podcast of Studio Hockey, hosts Jaspreet Singh and Ernst Baart are joined by acclaimed journalist and author Sundeep Misra, along with legendary Indian captain Vasudevan Baskaran. Together, they dive deep into the legacy and unsolved mystery surrounding Olympic gold medalist Pritihpal Singh’s murder—a tragedy that’s haunted hockey for decades.
Why Subscribe?
Studio Hockey delivers rare, in-depth conversations spanning field hockey’s history, culture, and future—seen from both Asian and European lenses. This episode is a must for hockey fans, mystery buffs, and anyone passionate about extraordinary sports stories.
Don’t miss the full story. Subscribe now to Studio Hockey and be the first to hear the complete episode!
Follow us wherever you get your podcasts and join us as we uncover hockey’s hidden stories—both the triumphs and the tragedies.
Happy Hockey!
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit my.studio.hockey/subscribe
“When I first came through as a coach or a player, it was very much: do as you’re told, get out there, run hard.”
But today’s athletes seek understanding and want to be part of the process. Video analysis plays a far greater role, and the focus is more on encouragement and highlighting players’ strengths.
“We still talk about the development areas, but focus more on their strengths and what they bring to the team,” he explains.
This shift towards empathy and athlete empowerment marks a significant evolution in coaching philosophy.
Adapting to Change: Is Empathy Inherent or Learned?
Following up, Ernst asks whether this new approach comes naturally to Mark, or if it has required a conscious effort to change. Mark admits this evolution didn’t come easily. “Definitely, no, it’s definitely been a challenge,” he says, recalling his early coaching days with New Zealand where he leaned heavily on hard-edged direction. “When I went to Great Britain, I had to adapt,” Mark adds.
The presence of strong assistant coaches in GB helped him step back and adopt more of a “relationship coach” style. He shared, “It also helped because I had two really good assistant coaches…so I could step back and become more of a, I suppose, a relationship coach. So I could get to know the players more, give them more empathy.” The support of a broader coaching staff allowed him to avoid always being the ‘bad guy,’ and offered a more holistic means of supporting his athletes.
Returning to Australia: Was Head Coach Always the Plan?
Shifting gears, Jaspreet inquires whether becoming head coach of the Kookaburras was always in Mark’s plans upon his return to Australia in 2021. Mark responds with humility, saying he didn’t anticipate jumping back into such a high-profile job so soon, instead prioritizing family after years abroad. “I hadn’t seen my family for three years so I really wanted to spend time with them,” he confides. When the coaching role opened up, supportive words from his wife reignited his ambitions, but Mark felt more balanced and at peace with whichever way the process played out. Now, he finds satisfaction in blending his experiences from Great Britain and New Zealand into his work with Australia, highlighting the value of empathy and consultation:
“Don’t be afraid to admit if I don’t know anything or if I’m not sure, you know, ask the players.”
First Lessons with the Kookaburras: The Pro League Experience
Ernst draws attention to Mark’s first major stint with the Australian men—Pro League games marked by both triumph and learning curves. Due to player commitments in the Indian Hockey League, Mark was ‘forced’ to field several debutants. Instead of a setback, he calls it a “fantastic opportunity for those young players,” appreciating their fearless and unencumbered approach to the game. “Some of those performances…really opened my eyes about how youth can really excite a team.” Mark acknowledges that, without this circumstance, he may have defaulted only to senior players, and this experiment has positively influenced his squad-building philosophy.
The Future of the Debutants: World Cup Hopes
Picking up the thread, Jaspreet questions whether any of these eight debutants have impressed Mark enough to be part of Australia’s World Cup squad. Mark is optimistic yet measured in his response. “There’s a little bit of hockey to go yet,” he says, citing the upcoming Indian League and the Pro League as continued proving grounds. He strikes a balance between development and letting players express themselves, wishing to avoid over-coaching:
“We really want them to play with flair and give them a lot of freedom and I think that’s worked really well for a lot of our young players this year.”
Oceania Cup: Should Asia and Oceania Merge for Hockey?
After Australia’s recent Oceania Cup win, Ernst floats a provocative idea: merging the Oceania and Asia Cups for increased competition. Mark is receptive, recalling the positive experience as a junior playing in hybrid Asia-Oceania qualifiers, and praises the diversity and level of challenge such events brought: “It was a great, it was a fantastic tournament, a really good tournament.” However, he’s realistic about the current lack of multi-team tournaments, and the removal of the Commonwealth Games highlights this challenge further:
“We have to try and find tournaments because we don’t play tournaments now…if we don’t join with Asia, then Oceania and Asia have got to start playing tournaments against each other anyway.”
Should the Champions Trophy Return?
Jaspreet laments the lack of regular multi-nation tournaments, asking Mark if the famed Champions Trophy should return. There’s a wave of nostalgia, with Mark and Ernst both fondly recalling the tournament’s prestige and excitement. “I loved it. We all did,” Mark affirms, while noting that financial difficulties make such competitions challenging. He’s pragmatic: “The Pro League has its plus and minuses. It gets hockey around the world...but, oh look, yeah, I loved playing the Champions Trophy.” Still, Mark expresses hope for a revival of similar tournament formats, noting the invaluable experience they offer.
Coaching: Europe vs the countries from Down Under
Jaspreet asks Mark what differences he experienced coaching a European team compared to Australian or New Zealand squads. Mark downplays drastic differences, emphasizing the universality of his coaching philosophy: “I try and impose my style...attacking, aggressive hockey.” He appreciates that Great Britain and England were receptive to attacking play, and though some early results were tough, he stuck to his guns and challenged his team to bolster their defense to match their offensive flair.
Hockey Australia’s Pathway Program: Insights and Value
Ernst notes that Mark, during his supposed ‘break’ from international coaching, was serving as tactical lead for Hockey Australia’s pathways program. Mark explains this gave him much-needed insight into how Australian hockey now operates and allowed him to work closely with figures like Mark Knowles. “…he had the enthusiasm, the youngness...had different ideas how the men were playing. We could talk about the players who were coming through, what skills we wanted to develop.” He highlights the program’s role in monitoring youth development and the promising talent pipeline emerging in Australia, referencing a quote:
“When you lose, it’s learning. It’s not losing.”
Hockey One League: Australia’s Domestic Competition
Jaspreet turns to the Australia’s premier domestic competition—the Hockey One League—asking about its evolution and impact. Mark sees clear positives in the league’s growth and the move towards a franchise model, increasing opportunities for players to play for different clubs, and inviting overseas talent. But there’s a downside: a limited number of playing and travel spots each week means some promising juniors miss out on top-level game experience. “That would be the only downfall, I think, just the number of players that can play each weekend,” Mark asserts, but he is hopeful for ongoing improvements.
A Personal Anecdote: The Story of Mark’s Thumb
Adding a personal touch, Ernst recounts a quirky story he heard from Australian hockey circles: Mark is missing half a thumb. Mark confirms it’s true—but rather than a harrowing pitch accident, it happened in a factory when he was younger. With trademark humor, he says,
“I thought at the time that was the end of my hockey career, but…I was fortunate. It was above my knuckle so I could still hold a hockey stick… I saw it as an advantage because it couldn’t get hit.”
Planning for the 2026 World Cup
As the conversation draws towards the future, Jaspreet focuses on the upcoming 2026 Men’s World Cup. Australia’s missed podium finish in 2023 was their first such in over two decades. Mark acknowledges the challenge ahead, emphasizing a dual focus on developing the young squad’s international experience and fostering a culture of belief and resilience: “We also…have a training block next year from pretty much from start of January up to the World Cup where most of us are based in Perth…That’s a real advantage for our program.” Psychologically, he wants to instill the lesson that a single bad day can derail a tournament, so scenario-based training and mental conditioning are key. His approach melds strategic preparation with an emphasis on maintaining Australia’s signature attacking, aggressive style: “We want to play our game…We don’t want to change that style.”
Parting Words and Reflections
The episode closes with a personal note, as the hosts check in on the health of Mark’s brother-in-law, fellow hockey coach Michael Nobbs, who played a role in arranging the interview. Mark shares that Michael is undergoing treatment but remains in good spirits, and the hosts extend their well wishes. In a lighter moment, they recall Michael’s daughter banning him from coaching her—reminding all coaches to let their kids simply enjoy being kids.
This episode of Studio Hockey offered a rich, multifaceted conversation with Mark Hager—a coach who embodies both tradition and transformation within the ever-evolving sport of field hockey. From tactical insights and generational shifts in coaching, to stories of resilience, ongoing challenges, and a clear-eyed vision for the future, Mark’s experience provides valuable lessons for hockey enthusiasts around the globe.
We hope you enjoyed this episode of Studio Hockey, a podcast about international and domestic field hockey. As always, your co-hosts Ernst Baart (bringing the European perspective) and Jaspreet Singh (offering the Asian viewpoint) are here to ensure the global game gets the diverse attention it deserves.
Subscribe to stay tuned, and until next time—happy hockey, everybody!
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The toll on athletes was clear. Teams scrambled for coping strategies. The Korean squad shut off all the air conditioning in their hotel rooms to acclimatize. Bangladeshis guzzled coconut water, while Japanese warm-up before games was shortened to conserve player energy. With matches scheduled from morning (9am) through to the hottest part of the day (3pm), the first week was especially brutal.
A Rough Start, a Triumphant Finish: India’s Journey
India came into the tournament under pressure. The Asia Cup isn’t just about continental bragging rights—World Cup qualification was on the line, and Jaspreet captures the collective sigh of relief when he says, “The monkey’s off the back”—no need for India to play stressful qualifiers next year.
But the home team didn’t have it easy to start: “India played their first two matches which were 3pm starts, and it showed that they were struggling in the heat… barely able to beat China… and then Japan.” Here, Jaspreet singles out Harmanpreet Singh, the captain, as the hero of those challenging matches, netting five goals across the two openers—“goals that led to victory and helped India qualify for the Super Fours.
“Without Harmanpreet’s hat-trick against China and his brace versus Japan, India may have struggled.”
As scheduling came into favor—the Super Four matches moved to cooler 7:30pm slots—India found their rhythm. “Once they came into the Super Fours, it was a different team… They started to play like the dominating force they are in Asia.” Standout performers included Sukhjeet, praised for off-the-ball running, scoring skills and consistent performances, especially in the business end of the tournament.
Yet, Jaspreet doesn’t shy away from pointing out weaknesses; India’s finishing, particularly in a 2-2 draw with Korea, was suspect. “The attacking intent was there, but the last touch [for goals] was missing.” Still, emphatic wins—like the 4-1 victory over Malaysia and hammering China 7-0—proved India’s eventual superiority. For Jaspreet, these late-tournament flourishes were a validation of India’s preparation, depth, and mental strength to peak when it matters.
A New Landscape: The Asian Hockey Rivalries
It wouldn’t be Studio Hockey without a look at the broader regional trends. According to Jaspreet, this year’s Asia Cup saw the emergence of China as a truly promising side—young, energetic, and well-drilled under Dutch coach Michel van den Heuvel. Jaspreet quotes the assistant coach, Oltmans, expressing hopes for China to break into the LA 2028 Olympics and beyond. While they were thrashed 7-0 by India, Jaspreet believes
“China can take a lot of positives from this tournament.”
Korea, despite not defending their title, showed resilience—drawing India and riding their defensive discipline all the way to the final. Malaysia, however, endured heartbreak, losing a crucial 3-4 Super Fours clash with Korea after leading 3-1—a collapse reminiscent of their recent trend of letting big matches slip away, as Jaspreet reminds us of their Asian Games final loss to Japan after a similar lead.
Japan, while once champions at the 2018 Asian Games, now appear “just about there”—competitive, but lacking the sharpness and consistency to make a real statement.
The changing of the guard is evident: “China is coming up… under Michel van den Heuvel and their coaching staff they will do a lot better…
Japan hasn’t made much of a noise since 2018… and Malaysia needs to work on seeing games out.” The rest of Asia, as Jaspreet maintains, still has work to do to challenge the continental kings.
Tournament Logistics: Venue and Schedule Debates
No modern tournament escapes scrutiny over scheduling and logistics, and this Asia Cup was no different. The absence of Pakistan—due to political tensions—and Oman (who withdrew due to financial constraints) left two vacant slots filled by Bangladesh and Kazakhstan. But perhaps the greatest challenge was the packed schedule: Seven matches in ten days for each finalist, a gauntlet deemed “very taxing” by experts and coaches alike.
Dutchman Michel van den Heuvel’s comments, as relayed by Jaspreet, stirred debate: He opined that Asia’s hockey progress risks stagnation if “all the things keep coming back to India”
That is, if India hosts the lion’s share of continental tournaments. Jaspreet counters with a broader perspective: the last Asian Champions Trophy edition was held in China and before that the Junior World Cup in Malaysia.
However, when it comes to scheduling, Jaspreet concedes there’s work to be done. Van den Heuvel’s comparison to the Euro Hockey Championships—where teams enjoy more rest days between matches—casts light on the need for improved player welfare and more world-class tournament management, not just infrastructure.
The Importance of Early Qualification: Interview with Craig Fulton
One of the episode’s highlights comes in a dedicated segment with Indian head coach Craig Fulton, whose calm and pragmatic approach underpins the team’s steady progress. For Fulton, clinching the World Cup ticket at home was not just a relief, but a major strategic win:
“It’s quite a busy run-in… Azlan Shah, trip to South Africa, Hockey India League, then Pro League—if you had to add another qualifier on top of that, it would be really difficult. So I’m glad we stayed away from that.”
This is a major point Jaspreet also emphasizes: Securing qualification early allows the Indian team not only more time to prepare for the World Cup proper, but also the “leeway to try different things out… because they don’t have to go through qualifiers. They know they are there.”
Fulton goes further, lauding the team’s ability to overcome adversity:
“Seven games in ten days is no easy feat. We did really, really well. Even though the first two games were a little bit [shaky], as we acclimatized, we got stronger and stronger. Last night (7-0 vs China) and tonight (beating Korea 4-1 in the final) showed what we can do.”
Jaspreet presses Fulton about squad plans for upcoming tournaments—will they go full strength? Fulton keeps cards close to his chest: “We’ll see what state we’re in and what we need to achieve next year with the group we have”. But there’s no hiding his satisfaction, both at ticking off the primary objective and at India’s ability to peak when it mattered.
Looking Ahead: The State and Future of Asian Hockey
As Jaspreet wraps up his reflections, he returns to the central question: Where does Asian hockey stand now?
India’s dominance remains, while China’s rise, the resilience of Korea, Malaysia’s need for psychological strengthening, and Japan’s stagnation all define this year’s storylines. With the World Cup spot settled, the challenge now is for the chasing pack to close the gap.
For teams finishing behind India—Korea, Malaysia, China, Japan, and Bangladesh—a grueling path to World Cup qualification awaits via playoffs and qualifiers, a reminder of how high the stakes are in Asian hockey and how quickly fortunes can change.
Why This Asia Cup Mattered
Jaspreet’s on-the-ground observations from Rajgir are a reminder of how much the “context” matters in sport—the venue’s ambition, the city’s rich history, the elements (both environmental and competitive), and the logistical realities all combine to shape results and future planning. The 2025 Asia Cup offered both challenges and inspiration in equal measure.
Will Rajgir’s 90-acre sports complex become a production line of international athletes? Will the lessons in dealing with heat and humidity translate to better-prepared teams at future tournaments? Will China’s promise be realized, and can Malaysia find their killer instinct?
One thing’s for sure: India’s undoubted success in Asia sets the stage for a fascinating World Cup campaign.
Thanks for joining us for this recap of Studio Hockey’s Asia Cup coverage. For more in-depth analysis, behind-the-scenes stories, and expert interviews, stay tuned to Studio Hockey.
