A new core group for LA 2028 as a generational shift in the eye of the Indian men’s hockey team

India claim record sixth ACT crown (Image: Hockey India/X) MOHALI: The Indian men’s hockey team is gearing up for a generational shake-up ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, with Hockey India chief coach RP Singh hinting that a new core group will soon be assembled and that four to six senior players or potentially more could make way as the national set-up begins planning for the next Olympic cycle.After a successful Asian Games campaign and securing Olympic qualification, India has now shifted its focus from immediate results to long-term team building.“We have to build a team for 2028,” Singh said, stressing that the new core group will be a mix of established international and emerging talent.“It could be four players, it could be six, maybe less or even more players will be replaced. Nothing is fixed. But we have to look ahead and prepare the next generation.”In addition, the core group will not be a closed group and will be reviewed at regular intervals.“We also want the core group to remain dynamic. Every three to six months, players must be reassessed. If someone is no longer performing at the required level, we should be able to make changes,” he added.However, Singh emphasized that selection will be dictated by performance and fitness rather than reputation, age or seniority. “Selection based on seniority should not happen. It should be based on performance. Whoever is fit, performs and contributes to the team will remain in contention,” he said.The chief selector revealed that discussions about the future composition of the squad have already taken place within the management group, adding that difficult decisions are an inevitable part of top sport.“It hurts when players who have served the country for 10 or 12 years move away, but that’s the reality of sport. One player leaves and another gets an opportunity,” he said.Opportunities will now extend to more junior players through upcoming assignments, including a tour of New Zealand, as India begin building their way to the next Olympic cycle.Singh also confirmed that the Hockey India League is expected to return and could begin in January, describing the tournament as a key part of India’s succession planning.The former India player also stressed the importance of exposing young Indian players to top European players such as the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and England, arguing that regular matches against elite opposition would accelerate their development and prepare them better for major tournaments.The Los Angeles Olympics are now firmly in sight and Indian hockey’s transition has essentially begun, with performance, fitness and potential set to determine who forms the country’s next core group.