Staying in the present: Amit Rohidas not thinking about retirement but keeping LA 2028 in sight

As we headed into the Asian Champions Trophy in Jalandhar and Mohali, one of the biggest topics was the future of India’s four hockey players. Rumors suggested that the tournament could be a swan song in Indian colors for Mandeep Singh, Jarmanpreet Singh, Nilakanta Sharma and Amit Rohidas.

While Mandeep and Jarmanpreet categorically denied the claims Nilakanta has made clear his Olympic ambitions for 2028, confirming that the ACT will be his last tournament in India and announcing his retirement from international hockey. Amidst all the speculation, Amit stayed quiet and let his performances on the field do the talking.

ACT, INDIA VS CHINA HIGHLIGHTS

At 33, Rohidas has been a rock in India’s defense since his first international debut in 2013. The top-class first rusher has forged a formidable defensive partnership with Harmanpreet Singh and can also act as a puller when needed.

In 259 matches for the senior national team, Rohidas scored 55 goals. His trophy cabinet tells its own story, with two Olympic bronze medals, two Asian Games gold medals and two Asian Cup titles to his credit.

However, it’s not just medals or numbers that define Rohidas. His work ethic and determination were the foundation of his journey for the national team.

However, this path was far from straightforward. Despite impressing on his debut in 2013, competition for places in defense meant Rohidas was often in and out of the side, struggling to establish himself as a regular.

The breakthrough came in 2017, when he finally got the opportunity to cement his place in the team. Since then, he has become a vital cog in India’s success, offering reliability at the back and versatility when the situation calls for it.

KEEPING IT REAL

One of Rohidas’ greatest strengths was his ability to keep things simple. Whether on or off the pitch, he doesn’t overcomplicate things. He understands his role, sticks to his task and lets his work speak for itself.

This approach was evident in India’s opening matches in the Asian Champions Trophy. When called upon to hold the defensive line, Rohidas showed the fortitude expected of him and helped ensure that opposition attacks did not find an easy way out.

It’s the same mindset he’s brought to questions about his future. After India’s 5-2 win over China on Thursday, October 29, Rohidas made it clear that while the Olympics remain a goal, he is not ready to be distracted by thoughts of the distant future.

“While the Olympics remains a goal, he doesn’t want to think too far ahead and lose focus on the games between them.

“We are preparing and focusing on one match at a time. Just because we qualified for the Olympics through the Asian Games doesn’t mean we should start focusing only on the Olympics. It doesn’t work that way. We have to perform well in every match,” Amit told reporters after India’s win over China.

Rohidas was equally clear when addressing recent reports of players potentially calling for their international careers. Rather than getting bogged down in speculation, he wants to focus on what is immediately in front of him. For him, consistent performances and fitness will be more important than looking too far into the future.

“Regarding the news that came out recently, none of us have had any information from Hockey India or the coach about it. So we can’t comment on what happened. We have seen the news but I am not looking too far ahead. I am mainly focused on the present and the matches we are playing now.”

“It is not like I am retiring after this tournament. There is no such plan from my side,” said Amit.

The message was clear: he is not thinking about retirement. The Los Angeles Olympics may be the goal, but Rohidas is in no rush to get ahead of himself. There are a lot of challenges between now and 2028 and he wants to tackle them one by one.

WHY ACTION MATTER

The Asian Champions Trophy has also faced questions about its timing, with critics pointing to the lack of immediate qualification or medal consequences associated with the tournament.

However, Rohidas sees it differently. For him, the ACT is more than just another competition on the calendar. It is an opportunity for the team to build momentum after the Asian Games and for the players to show the selectors that they still deserve their place.

“After the Asian Games, this tournament is an important step towards our preparation for the Olympics. The selectors watch every match and every performance matters because selection decisions are made based on those performances,” said Amit.

It is a reminder that even with Olympic qualification secured through the Asian Games, Indian players cannot afford to take their foot off the pedal. Each match offers a chance to improve, create combinations and strengthen their cases for future selections.

For Rohidas, the approach is straightforward. He doesn’t entertain the thought of retirement, nor does he let the prospect of Los Angeles 2028 overshadow the present. His focus remains on delivering consistent performances, maintaining his fitness and continuing to be a reliable presence in the Indian defence.

The Olympics may still be almost two years away, but Rohidas is making sure to stay in the loop. There is no need to make any grand pronouncements or long-term statements at this time. There is only one more game left, one more challenge and the work needed to maintain one’s place in Indian hockey.

– The end