New Delhi, Aug. 11 -- The next two months will be the most important period for the Indian hockey team until the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. With the World Cup (August 15-30) and Asian Games (September 19-October 4) slated together, Harmanpreet Singh and Co are in for a hectic and tough time.

But at the helm, chief coach Craig Fulton will be the one controlling the entire show. He is not just eyeing India's first World Cup medal in 51 years but is also aiming to maintain India's status as the undisputed No.1 in Asia.

HT caught up with the 51-year-old South African to discuss India's preparation and the new World Cup format among other topics. Excerpts:

There's enough time between the two tournaments. If we set our sights only on the Wor...