Hockey India outlines LA28 transition as senior exits remain undecided
Hockey India has set out a transition plan for the LA 2028 Olympics ahead of the Asian Champions Trophy, and chairman of selectors RP Singh said on 2026-11-05 that the number of senior departures is not fixed. "As far as the four players you mentioned are concerned, it could be four, six, fewer or even more. Nothing is certain at this stage," said Mr. Singh. Nilakanta Sharma has confirmed that Thursday's final will be his last international match.
Ahead of the Asian Champions Trophy, four players were widely tipped to be heading towards the exit after the tournament, though Mandeep Singh, Jarmanpreet Singh and Amit Rohidas have indicated they wish to continue. The federation made clear the door will not be kept shut for anyone who decides to walk away. Singh pointed to Olympic qualification through the Asian Games as a pivot for the next cycle: "We have now qualified for the Olympics in both the men's and women's categories by winning the Asian Games. We are fortunate that we have approximately one-and-a-half to two years to prepare. Now, we have to build a team for the future, keeping the 2028 Olympics in mind," said Mr. Singh.
Singh emphasised that the onus will be on players to judge whether they can sustain international standards through to 2028. "Many players may not be able to sustain themselves until 2028. They need to assess themselves. Every player understands his own game and knows what he is capable of achieving. When a person sits alone and evaluates himself honestly, he knows whether he can continue at the required level," said Mr. Singh.
On the subject of voluntary exits, Singh delivered a direct message to senior players about self-selection based on fitness and form. "My personal opinion is that this is an opportunity for players who feel they may not be able to sustain themselves until 2028 to come forward on their own. They should understand that they may not be able to maintain the required fitness levels." "If someone feels that way, they should come forward and make that decision themselves. They have played in front of 15,000 spectators here, and millions will be watching on television across the participating countries," said Mr. Singh.
Singh rejected the idea of a fixed age threshold for selection, stressing the process will prioritise fit-for-purpose players. "Age is not the criterion. Where is it written that we should select an 18-year-old or a 20-year-old even if he cannot play at the required level?" "It is a combination of fitness and skill. This is a skill-based sport. We are not conducting a marathon or a 100-metre sprint where we select whoever runs the fastest or completes the distance." "Selection depends on the situation and the system we follow. We have to assess which player fits into the team. The coach and selectors sit together and take that decision," said Mr. Singh.
The domestic pathway will play a larger role in identifying candidates for the next cycle, Singh said, citing recent talent-spotting moves. "We recently had the Senior National Championship, which was held from October 10 to 21. We sent our selectors there, and they identified some players." "We already have some players in our system. The Hockey India League will also take place, and we have given opportunities to four or five players recently." "After assessing all these players together, we will organise a national camp lasting at least seven to 10 days. It is not that someone performs well in one tournament and is immediately selected. There will be a proper national camp, where we will test everything, including fitness," said Singh.
Singh also outlined plans to keep a core group under regular review rather than locking in selections long term. "We also have a plan for the future. Once the core group is formed, we cannot simply leave it unchanged for a long period. We will have to review it every three or six months. If a player is not performing at the required level, we must always have the option of making changes," said Mr. Singh. That approach, the federation accepts, could make the next two years particularly competitive for both established players and hopefuls.
For now, Hockey India says the transition has moved from planning to action, with India set to tour New Zealand next as a young side is expected to be given an opportunity. For Hockey India, the transition towards LA 2028 is no longer something to think about later.
