Paddy Upton appointed mental health conditioning coach for India men’s hockey team for 2023 Champions Trophy and Asian Games

Hockey India have roped in former Rajasthan Royals head coach and renowned mental health conditioning coach Paddy Upton to work with the India men’s hockey team ahead of the Champions Trophy and the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou.
The federation president Dilip Tirkey associated Upton’s appointment, “To help the team manage the pressure and expectations to perform, we felt that it was essential to invest in a mental conditioning expert.” He further added, “We recognise that this is a major area that needs focus ahead of big-ticket events and we are confident that Paddy’s expertise and guidance will greatly benefit our team.”
Upton was the mental health and conditioning coach under Gary Kirsten’s tenure with the India men’s cricket team from 2008 to 2011 and was part of the MS Dhoni captained side that won the ODI World Cup at home.
Last year, Upton was also associated with the Rohit Sharma-led side during the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia, where the men in blue made it to the semifinals.
“I have witnessed the tremendous growth of Indian hockey in recent years, and I am excited to contribute to the team’s success enhancing their mental resilience and psychological skill set. Together, we will work towards achieving the highest level of performance and excellence,” said Upton.

At Hangzhou, India men’s hockey team will also be vying for a direct qualification to the 2024 Paris Olympics.