K. ARUMUGAM

1995 is a landmark year for Indian hockey for many things: Dhyan Chand Statue was unveiled at the National Stadium in Delhi and his birth anniversary came to be celebrated as National Sports Day. India hosted four international tournaments winning three of them. These came against the backdrop of annexing Azlan Shah Cup mid way through the year. Significantly, present Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey made his international debut. The epochal year, it seems, had another remarkable happening: India’s chief coach Craig Fulton’s international debut in India.

An Uttar Pradesh based political family used to organize Indira Gandhi Gold Cup every year in the 80s and 90s. The venue used to be either Lucknow or Delhi. The event was brought to Delhi in 1995, as the then Indian Hockey Federation President, KPS Gill, wanted to make it a show piece marvel. He could bring top notch sponsor for it by way of Sahara. The company came to hockey for sports sponsorship first before moving to cricket perennially.

South African team that had Craig Fulton (sitting 3rd from left) for the 1995 Indira International Cup.

Besides the host, eight nations took part including the ultimate winners South Korea, South Africa, England, Kazakhstan etc.

The South African team had in its ranks one name which resonates with Indians nowadays. That is Craig Fulton. He made his international debut in the invitation but popular tournament. Though a forward, his game was overshadowed by one star striker in the team by name Robert Pullen. But it did not deny him to land the coveted Man of the Match award, a new concept then, once.

Official match sheet of SA 1995 Indira Cup

It is ‘coveted’ because it carried a Colour Television, a luxury then. Criag Fulton got it for his role in South Africa defeating Poland in the 7-8th classification match.

His role as a pusher of ball at penalty corner was taken note of by all.

South Africa did not meet India as they were in different pool.

Fulton also struck a goal against Poland which his team won for a commanding score of 4-1.

South Korea defeated India in the final which was witnessed by about 25,000 strong crowd. The venue, then known merely as National Stadium, was renovated 15 years later to host the Commonwealth Games.

As Craig Fulton would step in the same stadium tomorrow for the forthcoming PFC India-Germany bilateral Series, he would definitely be immersed in nostalgia.

He has grown from a debutante in 1995 to become a world renowned coach which is now, times have moved on for Fulton, all for better.

The South African team 1995 Indira Cup:

Shane Schoenegevel, Brian Myburga, Shaun Cooke, Craig Fulton, Craig Jackson, Craig Clarke, Mike Cullen, Paddy, Mathew, Wayne, Kevin etc.

Pic: Courtesy Hockey Year Book 1995 compiled by K Arumugam