With the LA Olympics in mind, Mandeep among the 4 seniors decided to play the last matches in India
Mandeep Singh is among the four Indian senior players who are all set to bring the curtains down on their international careers, according to a PTI report. Mandeep, along with Jarmanpreet Singh, Amit Rohidas and Nilakanta Sharma, will play the final few matches for India during the upcoming Asian Champions Trophy in October as they look to bring in new blood ahead of the 2028 Olympics.
According to HI sources, the move is aimed at facilitating a gradual overhaul of the team with a view to the 2028 Olympics.
“Yes, it has been discussed among the selectors for some time now as we need to bring and nurture young players for the LA Olympics. These four players have served the country for a long time but now is the time for fresh legs. We are grateful for their services,” a Hockey India source told PTI on condition of anonymity.
Mandeep, 31, has scored 128 goals, including 11 hat-tricks, in 301 international matches, according to FIH statistics. The Arjuna Award winning striker has two Olympic bronze medals and three Asian Games medals, including two golds.
However, his performances have dipped in recent months as he struggled for goals during the World Cup and Asian Games.
Defender Jarmanpreet Singh (30) played 171 matches for India and took eight wickets. His achievements include bronze medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics, gold medals at the 2022 and 2026 Asian Games and silver at the 2018 Champions Trophy.
Amit Rohidas (33) played 257 matches and scored 38 goals. As a key penalty corner defender, he won back-to-back Olympic bronze medals in Tokyo and Paris, two golds at the 2022 and 2026 Asian Games and a silver at the 2018 Champions Trophy.
Midfielder Nilakanta Sharma (31) is also expected to feature in the farewell tournament at the Asian Champions Trophy. The Manipuri has 162 international appearances and 19 goals and was part of the Indian team that won bronze at the Tokyo Olympics and the gold medal winning teams at the 2022 and 2026 Asian Games.
All four were named in the squad for the Asian Champions Trophywhich will begin on October 27.
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