Amit Rohidas says retirement is not on his mind after India win, keeps Los Angeles 2028 in sight
Amit Rohidas said he is not planning to retire and is keeping Los Angeles 2028 in sight after India’s 5-2 win over China at the Asian Champions Trophy in Jalandhar and Mohali on Thursday, October 29. He told reporters that he is focusing on current matches rather than thinking too far ahead.
The tournament in Jalandhar and Mohali arrived amid speculation about the international futures of four Indian players — Mandeep Singh, Jarmanpreet Singh, Nilakanta Sharma and Rohidas. Mandeep and Jarmanpreet publicly rejected retirement rumours and signalled their Olympic ambitions for 2028, while Nilakanta confirmed the Asian Champions Trophy would be his final event for India and announced his retirement from international hockey. At 33, Rohidas has been part of the senior national setup since his debut in 2013 and has accumulated 259 appearances and 55 goals.
Rohidas’s medal haul includes two Olympic bronze medals, two Asian Games gold medals and two Asia Cup titles. Early in his career he was in and out of the side before a breakthrough in 2017 allowed him to establish himself as a regular. Since then he has been viewed as a reliable presence in India’s defence.
A recognised first rusher, Rohidas has formed a defensive partnership with Harmanpreet Singh and can also contribute as a drag-flicker when required. India’s opening games at the Asian Champions Trophy saw him called upon to hold the defensive line, and he delivered the solidity expected of that role. Those performances were part of the response Rohidas offered to the retirement speculation surrounding several players.
After the win over China, Rohidas addressed questions about long-term planning and concentration on immediate matches, saying: "We prepare and focus on one match at a time. Just because we have qualified for the Olympics through the Asian Games does not mean we should start focusing only on the Olympics. That is not how it works. We have to perform well in every match," said Amit to reporters after India's win over China.
On reports about players potentially ending international careers, Rohidas was explicit about the team’s lack of official information and his personal outlook: "Regarding the news that came out recently, none of us had any information about it from Hockey India or the coach. So we cannot comment on what happened. We have seen those reports, but I do not look too far ahead. I focus mainly on the present and the matches we are playing right now." He added: "It is not as if I am retiring after this tournament. There is no such plan from my side," said Amit.
Rohidas also framed the Asian Champions Trophy as part of India’s preparation following the Asian Games and as an opportunity for players to stake claims for selection, saying: "After the Asian Games, this tournament is an important step towards our preparations for the Olympics. The selectors watch every match, and every performance matters because selection decisions are made based on these performances," said Amit.